The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary
General argued that Kenyan politics is largely driven by ethnicity rather than
policy issues.
Atwoli dismissed claims by a section of politicians that the
more than 3.2 million salaried Kenyans could influence the 2027 polls against
President William Ruto.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been rallying formally employed Kenyans to unite against the Kenya Kwanza government over what he describes as excessive taxation.
“The biggest task we have is to defeat him (Ruto). Payslip
holders are three million, and each of them has influence over at least two
people. That’s nine million people who have a personal issue with William
Ruto,” Gachagua said.
However, Atwoli downplayed the idea, asserting that
unseating President Ruto in 2027 will not be easy.
“The notion that workers can be easily convinced depends on
which workers you’re talking about. Politics in Kenya is not
issue-based—ethnicity plays a major role,” Atwoli said.
He also refuted claims that Kenyans are overtaxed, arguing
that many have historically evaded levies. He dismissed over-taxation as a
major campaign issue for 2027.
“Those pushing this narrative are doing so out of malice.
The real question we need to ask is whether the tax revenue is being used for
its intended purposes,” Atwoli said on Tuesday.
“Taxation exists everywhere, but in Kenya, people have long
avoided paying taxes. Even the money that was taxed in the past never reached
the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA),” he added.
Politicians opposing Ruto are banking on public discontent
over taxation to build momentum against him ahead of the 2027 elections.
Currently, concerns have been raised that salaried Kenyans are bearing a heavy tax burden, including A 1.5% deduction from gross pay for the Housing Levy and a 2.75% deduction for health insurance
An expected increase in National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
contributions next month
On Monday, Gachagua vowed that if his camp wins the next
election, these levies would be scrapped.
“Once our government is sworn in, the housing levy will be
abolished to restore the dignity of the payslip,” he said.
Gachagua also accused Atwoli of remaining silent instead of
defending workers from the burden of heavy taxation.
“Kenyans are struggling more than ever, yet even large
worker groups have joined the government’s ‘praise and worship’ teams. People
are being choked by NSSF deductions, and all they do now is sing praises,”
Gachagua claimed.
Atwoli, however, fired back, blaming Gachagua for being part of the government that introduced the taxes when he served as Deputy President.
“Who started the payslip deductions? Who introduced housing
levies? Who increased taxes in this country? It was Ruto and Gachagua. Where
was he then, and why is he speaking up now?” Atwoli posed.
Atwoli also dismissed a report by the Federation of Kenya
Employers (FKE) stating that over 5,000 Kenyans have lost their jobs and more
than 50 companies have shut down.
He maintained that those hoping the 3.2 million salaried Kenyans will turn against Ruto are mistaken.