In a scathing critique aimed at the Kenyan government led by President William Ruto, prominent city lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has lambasted the administration for what he perceives as excessive taxation without corresponding service delivery to the citizens.
In a statement posted on x.com platform and seen by k47 digital news team, Abdullahi highlighted the plight of ordinary Kenyans, particularly small-scale traders and average citizens, who bear the brunt of rising taxes while experiencing deteriorating public services.
The lawyer pointed out that over-taxation, especially on essential goods and services used by ordinary citizens like small-scale vegetable vendors (mama Mboga) and everyday individuals (Wanjiku), contributes significantly to public discontent and erodes the legitimacy of the government.
Abdullahi asserted that President Ruto’s administration is aggressively pursuing this path, which risks alienating the populace due to perceived mismanagement of public funds and widespread corruption within the civil service.
“Over taxation, especially of goods and services used by mama Mboga and Wanjiku, make governments very unpopular and delegitimised when it doesn’t provide corresponding services or when the taxes are stollen by corrupt civil servants. President William Ruto’s government is going that route full speed.” Said Ahmednasir Abdullah in a state on X social media platform.
Speaking candidly, Ahmednasir expressed his reluctant acknowledgment of the necessity to increase tax revenue to offset what he described as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s irresponsible borrowing during his tenure.
He emphasized the need for tangible improvements in public services such as uninterrupted electricity, clean water supply, well-maintained roads, functional sewage systems, improved security, quality healthcare, education, and an effective justice system. According to him, the current state of affairs indicates that despite consistent tax hikes, citizens are not receiving commensurate value for their money.
The city lawyer highlighted several critical issues plaguing the nation, including substandard infrastructure, a healthcare system in disarray, a failing education sector (with an increasing number of children opting for foreign curricula over local ones), disproportionately high salaries for judges compared to lawyers, widespread distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs affecting farmers, and a culture of impunity among public officials engaging in corruption.
In a direct challenge to President Ruto, Abdullahi called for a meaningful engagement with Kenyan citizens on the rationale behind escalating taxation and the apparent misappropriation of public funds under the current administration’s watch.
He demanded transparency and accountability, urging the government to prioritize the effective utilization of taxpayers’ money to benefit the populace rather than lining the pockets of corrupt officials.
The lawyer’s remarks underscored a broader sentiment of disillusionment among Kenyan citizens regarding the effectiveness and integrity of their government. Abdullahi’s critique resonates with the frustrations of many ordinary Kenyans who feel shortchanged by the persistent cycle of taxation without corresponding improvements in public services.
President Ruto and his administration face mounting pressure to address these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to restoring public trust by tackling corruption and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used judiciously to uplift communities and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Ahmednasir Abdullahi’s impassioned plea for accountability and value for money in public spending reflects a growing demand for transparency and good governance in Kenya’s political landscape.
