Uhuru weighs in on MPs' tax row

Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta has broken his silence on the thorny issue of paying taxes by Kenyan MPs saying no one is exempt.

Mr Kenyatta, however, dismissed those critical of MPs who have expressed concern over the obligation to remit tax arrears to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The deputy Prime Minister said the payment of taxes was a constitutional, moral and developmental issue that goes beyond any individual’s personal position and urged Kenyans not to politicise the issue.

He added that even MPs are required to comply with the new law adding that it adds no value for individuals to call press conference and issue statements that they were remitting their taxes and urging others to do the same.

“It is morally wrong for those who have the ability to comply to make a public spectacle and paint negatively other Members of Parliament who may be willing to comply but are unable to immediately do so in a lumpsum payment,” said Mr Kenyatta in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

“It is also clear that our new Constitution has caught us mid-stream and we have to go through a transitional process. This applies as much to Members of Parliament as it does to the rest of Kenyans.”

He, however, did not expressly indicate whether he had settled his arrears with the taxman but dwelt on paying taxes in principle.

In what appears to be a direct criticism to other politicians including Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Gachoka MP Mutava Musyimi, Mr Kenyatta added that millions of Kenyans quietly pay their taxes regularly and are compliant as it is an obligation for all Kenyans to do so.

“There is nothing special about any one category of Kenyans fulfilling their civic duties under the law. The Constitution is also very clear on the taxation requirements that have been placed on all citizens including myself,” said the minister.

Mr Kenyatta added that the consequences of non-compliance are well stipulated within the laws and Kenyans who haven’t fulfilled these obligations will be exposed. He also said that in as much as the tax payment debate is healthy for the country, it should not be conducted on the basis of who has or hasn’t paid but rather on the principle of the matter itself.

“Payment of taxes and indeed the fulfillment of several other obligations under this new constitution should not degenerate into a political competition but should be regarded as a moral and civic duty of all Kenyans,” said Mr Kenyatta.