Tribute to Kenya's Popular Politician Former MP and Assistant Minister Wakoli Bifwoli

Section of Members of Parliament broke into applause during debate on the Finance Bill 2026 after Minority Leader Junet Mohamed took an unexpected position against Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah on a key tax proposal before the House.

The exchange highlighted growing differences among lawmakers over certain provisions of the Bill, despite Junet’s association with the broad-based government arrangement. 

His stance attracted support from several legislators perceived to be aligned with the opposition, creating an unusual moment of consensus among MPs who often occupy opposing political camps.

The disagreement centered on the proposed Voluntary Disclosure Programme, a measure designed to give taxpayers an opportunity to voluntarily declare previously undisclosed tax obligations. 

Supporters of the proposal argue that it would encourage compliance, improve revenue collection, and bring more taxpayers into the formal tax system without imposing additional taxes on ordinary citizens.

Ichung’wah strongly defended the initiative, maintaining that it represents a modern administrative approach to tax management. 

According to him, the programme is intended to widen the tax net while offering taxpayers a chance to regularize their affairs in a structured manner. He argued that the proposal would strengthen compliance and enhance government revenue collection without increasing the tax burden on citizens.

However, Junet expressed reservations about aspects of the proposal, particularly provisions linked to taxpayers who are already undergoing audits. He cautioned that some sections of the programme could result in unfair treatment of individuals and businesses that are currently subject to ongoing tax investigations or assessments.

Other lawmakers who shared Junet’s concerns argued that while voluntary disclosure can be beneficial, the framework must be carefully structured to ensure that compliant taxpayers are not disadvantaged. They stressed the need for safeguards that would protect taxpayers from potential penalties or unintended consequences arising from the implementation of the programme.

The heated debate underscored the sensitivity of tax reforms contained in the Finance Bill 2026 and demonstrated that divisions within Parliament can emerge even among leaders who are generally viewed as political allies. The applause that followed Junet’s intervention reflected the significance of the issue and the level of concern among legislators regarding the proposed tax measures.