Salasya voices opposition for Finance Bill 2025

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya rejected the proposed Finance Bill 2025, accusing the government of advancing measures that he believes will hinder economic progress.

Salasya also argued that the bill is discriminatory, claiming it sidelines communities on the margins, especially those from the western region.

While addressing a rally in Kakamega County on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Salasya voiced firm opposition to the Finance Bill 2025, warning that the rising tax proposals are suffocating small enterprises and worsening poverty nationwide.

"This Finance Bill is punishing ordinary Kenyans. Small businesses are collapsing under the weight of heavy taxation. People are struggling to survive," Salasya stated.

He argued that the bill does little to offer meaningful economic recovery, instead tightening the financial strain on families and entrepreneurs already grappling with high living costs.

"There’s nothing in this bill to uplift small traders or farmers. Instead, the government is after the few coins people are left with. That’s not a path to prosperity,” he added.

Salasya also condemned the government’s continued sidelining of regions outside the political centre, particularly western Kenya, in both development efforts and public appointments.

He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of turning a blind eye to the region’s economic contribution while denying it equitable representation.

"Peripheral regions are being overlooked for key positions. We’re constantly told to wait or back others. But that patience is wearing thin," he said.

In a strong statement during a rally in Kakamega County on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya declared that Western Kenya will front its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.

He said the region possesses both the leadership and capacity needed to steer the country forward.

"Western Kenya will no longer play second fiddle. Come 2027, we’re backing our own. We are done supporting others enough is enough," Salasya said.

He urged leaders from across the western counties to come together and forge a united political front, insisting the region must now claim its rightful place in national leadership.

“We can’t keep watching from the sidelines. Western has the numbers, the intellect, and the resources. What we lack is unity and that’s what we must build,” he emphasized.

Salasya’s remarks come as debate intensifies over the proposed Finance Bill 2025, which includes sweeping changes to tax laws among them, increased VAT rates, new digital service levies, and higher excise duties.

While the government maintains the bill is necessary to boost local revenue and cut reliance on borrowing, Salasya remains unconvinced.

He argued that the proposals would hit low- and middle-income Kenyans hardest, especially small traders already struggling to stay afloat.

“You don’t grow the economy by bleeding the people dry. Growth comes by enabling citizens to work, invest, and spend,” he stated.