Kenya is grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains and floods, which have resulted in significant loss of life and property. The National Disaster Operations Centre reported that the calamitous weather events claimed 267 lives, injured 188 individuals, displaced 281,835 people (56,367 families), and affected 380,573 individuals (76,114 families). The damage extends to livestock, cropland, roads, businesses, schools, water sources, and health facilities across 11 counties.
As citizens reckon with the consequences, attention turns to the government’s response to the humanitarian and economic fallout. Criticism mounts over the handling of the disaster, particularly regarding the forced eviction of individuals residing in riparian areas, which, though deemed necessary, lacked empathy and adequate compensation.
Adding to the public’s woes are concerns about the tax burden imposed by the Finance Act, 2023, passed amid public opposition. President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza MPs pushed through the tax measures without proper public participation, violating constitutional provisions. Now, the Finance Bill, 2024 proposes further unpopular taxes on essential items like bread and mobile money transactions, raising apprehension and potential legal challenges.
The Kenya Revenue Authority’s failure to meet revenue targets exacerbates economic concerns, with new tax proposals compounding the strain on citizens. These developments fuel political tensions, threatening the fragile truce between Ruto and Raila Odinga, and casting doubt on the National Dialogue Committee’s report.
Recent events, including the High Court’s suspension of the NADCO report and disparaging remarks from Ruto’s allies, have reignited political discord. Raila’s criticism of the government’s flood response and rejection of proposed tax measures resonate with many Kenyans, underscoring the need for parliamentary accountability and adherence to constitutional principles. As the nation watches, the onus is on Parliament to uphold public trust and resist undue influence from the Executive branch.
