NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over its tax enforcement activities, accusing the agency of putting undue pressure on traders and businesses as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua spoke on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while meeting Democratic Congress Party (DCP) aspirants in Laikipia County, where he also took aim at KRA Chairman Nderitu Muriithi.
The former Deputy President questioned Muriithi’s role at the revenue authority, arguing that it was contradictory for a leader from Laikipia to head an institution he claimed was subjecting residents and businesses in the region to excessive pressure.
Gachagua alleged that traders were being subjected to frequent tax demands and notices, saying the enforcement measures had created anxiety among business owners.
“People are crying. Agents and notices wanawindwa kama wanyama. Watu wakiona KRA wanafunga maduka. Kila mtu yuko na pesa anaandikiwa barua,” Gachagua said.
He did not provide specific figures to substantiate his claims about the scale of the alleged pressure on traders.
‘I hear KRA are looking for me’
Gachagua also claimed he had heard that KRA was looking for him, but said there was little left for the authority to seize.
Speaking in Swahili, he suggested that previous actions against him had already depleted his assets.
“Hata mimi nasikia wananitafuta lakini mimi hata hakuna kitu ya kuchukua. Walichukua kila kitu sasa hata hiyo KRA unless wanifunge sasa hakuna kitu ya kuchukuliwa,” he said.
He then made a reference to his family, saying authorities would have little left to take from him.
Gachagua’s remarks appeared to be a continuation of his broader criticism of state institutions and the Kenya Kwanza administration, which he has increasingly positioned as a central issue in his political mobilisation ahead of the next election.
Gachagua questions Muriithi’s political position
Gachagua directly challenged Muriithi over his role at KRA and questioned whether he could simultaneously serve in a senior government position and seek political support from the same community he claimed was being affected by the agency’s enforcement measures.
“How do you persecute a community and then want to come and be their leader?” he asked.
He also accused Muriithi of working with President William Ruto to target residents of Laikipia.
“Why umekubali kutumiwa na Kasongo kuumiza watu wetu?” Gachagua said, using his preferred nickname for President Ruto.
Gachagua did not present evidence to support his allegation that Muriithi was deliberately targeting Laikipia residents.
‘Tukiwa na uchaguzi tufukuze Kasongo’
The former deputy president further urged Muriithi to reconsider his association with the administration, warning that voters would judge leaders by their actions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“So wewe Nderitu please wewe kaa na Kasongo akutumie kumaliza watu wetu mpaka next year. Tukiwa na uchaguzi tufukuze Kasongo (Ruto) na tufukuze wewe,” he said.
The remarks underline the increasingly political nature of the debate over taxation and government enforcement as parties and political formations begin positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
Gachagua has repeatedly criticised the Ruto administration over the cost of living, taxation, government policy and the use of state institutions.
Tax enforcement becomes political issue
KRA’s enforcement of tax obligations has increasingly featured in Kenya’s political debate, particularly as the government seeks to expand domestic revenue collection.
Gachagua argued that enforcement should not leave legitimate businesses feeling threatened or unable to operate.
Also Read: Gachagua accuses Ruto, Kindiki of plot to divide Mt Kenya ahead of 2027
His comments in Laikipia also sought to link taxation with political accountability, urging residents to scrutinise leaders seeking their support.
The former deputy president has been holding meetings with DCP aspirants and supporters as he builds a political network ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His latest remarks therefore carry significance beyond criticism of KRA, placing the authority’s enforcement activities within a wider political argument over taxation, government accountability and the treatment of businesses under the Ruto administration.
For now, the allegations made against KRA and Muriithi remain Gachagua’s political claims. KRA and Muriithi’s response to the specific allegations would be necessary to establish their position on the issues he raised.
