Gachagua's political roadmap promises tax relief, security reforms

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to unveil his highly anticipated political roadmap next Sunday after consulting with elected leaders, professionals, religious figures, and other stakeholders.

He had initially planned to release the report at the end of January, but postponed it due to a large number of leaders from across the country visiting him at his Wamunyoro village home in Mathira, Nyeri, to provide their input. “On Sunday next week, I will release the report based on the recommendations provided by leaders from the mountain region, Ukambani, Kisii, and other areas who have continued to visit me,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua attended a church service at Almighty God Ministries Church in Kiria ini, Mathioya, Murang’a, where he was accompanied by Mathioya parliamentary aspirants, Kiru MCA Morris Thuku, Njathi Mwinga, and Peter Kaburi.

He stated that the next government would revisit the taxation agenda, starting with the removal of the affordable housing project deductions from Kenyan workers’ payslips. “The first priority will be to provide relief to public and private sector employees by removing punitive taxes,” the former Deputy President said.

He lamented the misuse of billions of shillings for political games, highlighting that funds intended for hospitals and educational support were being squandered. He also condemned incidents of abduction, stating that it made no sense for the government to deploy security forces to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Haiti when Kenyan children were falling victim to insecurity through abductions. “In Kenya, we need the police to tackle criminal gangs, as seen in Mwea, where two members of the Mungiki sect were killed by the community in opposition to the gang’s activities,” Gachagua remarked.

Also present at the church service were Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, MPs Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), and NCIC Vice-Chairperson Wambui Nyutu.

Nyutu urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that the protected constituencies of Mathioya and Kangema are not altered. “As the IEBC begins its work, it is important to remember that the constitution protects certain constituencies across the country; these should not be changed,” he said.

Gatanga MP Muriu suggested that the issue of abduction should be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC), adding that lawyers should prepare strong evidence for submission, as he believes an inquiry commission would be ineffective.

Wamaua urged Environment CS Adan Duale to refrain from calling on his colleague Justin Muturi to resign. “CS Duale has no authority to intimidate colleagues who challenge the government,” said Wamaua.