The Jubilee Party has called on Kenyans to reject the proposed Finance Bill 2026, warning that its implementation could further worsen the already high cost of living.
Speaking during a press briefing at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the bill would make life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. He argued that the proposed tax measures would place an excessive burden on civil servants and other workers, eroding their earnings and dignity.
“The Finance Bill 2026 will make Kenyans feel like slaves,” Matiang’i said. “A significant portion of their hard-earned money will be taken away through taxation. When you see what is in this bill, you wonder where Kenyans will go and how they will live; the cost of living is already unbearable.”
Matiang’i accused the government of ignoring the plight of workers and warned that the bill’s passage could lead to widespread economic hardship. He claimed that the proposed measures would directly affect payslips, leaving many public servants struggling to meet basic needs.
The former minister also alleged that the government had withdrawn from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme to avoid external scrutiny and audits. “This move raises serious questions about transparency and accountability,” he said.
The Jubilee Party’s stance adds to growing opposition from various political and civil society groups who have criticized the Finance Bill 2026 for introducing new taxes and levies amid economic challenges. The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the coming weeks for debate and possible amendments.
