Narok Senator Ledama OleKina has said the President William Ruto-led administration is messing up the economy with the continuous mirage of taxes.
The senator said the Kenya Kwanza government believes that the increased taxes that have been imposed on Kenyans will take them to greater heights.
"Little does President William Ruto know that Kenyans are getting poorer and poorer. It pains a lot! stop with the taxes Man," Ledama said on X account (formerly Twitter).
"It’s not that we hate Williams Ruto we just like the truth he is messing up the economy."
Ledama's comment comes days after the National Treasury proposed the introduction of more taxes.
In a Draft Medium-term Debt Strategy for the period 2024-25 and 2026-27, the National Treasury proposes a raft of major tax changes.
The draft proposed an increase in VAT from 16 per cent to 18 per cent.
It has also proposed an increase in exercise duty on spirits and higher alcohol content products to discourage their consumption as they pose higher health risks.
Treasury is also proposing to put alcoholic beverages and cigarettes on the radar again with excise duty after a short reprieve.
Excise rate for filtered cigarettes, non-filtered cigarettes and other tobacco products will be harmonised while excise duty on alcohol will be pegged on alcohol content
The taxation of alcoholic products is based on various criteria including, consumer behaviour, value of the product and the volume of consumption as well as alcohol content.
"To streamline the taxation of alcoholic products, over the strategy period, the government will review the basis of taxation to the alcoholic content of the product taking into consideration the harmonisation with EAC region," the proposals read.
The National Treasury said it will take into account international best practices and promote fairness.
"Given the negative health externalities of these products, the rates will be based on the extent of the externalities of these products as well as recommendations of the ongoing EAC partners states study," the treasury says.
Kenyans have until October 6, 2023, to submit comments on the proposals from Treasury.