Parliament is under state capture - Eugene Wamalwa

Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa now says that the Kenya Kwanza Government has captured Parliament.

Speaking on the Hot 96 Breakfast show, Wamalwa criticised the State even as he called for meaningful public participation in matters that affect Kenyans. 

He added that should Parliament be allowed to freely conduct its oversight role, then the views of the people should be implemented.

“Public participation is part of our national values. So it is not a favor to the people. It is a Constitution imperative that must be put into law so that people are given powers and their views are implemented,” Wamalwa told show hosts Jeff Koinange and Patrick Igunza.

He also condemned the move to slash more than Ksh.2 billion from the school feeding program as announced by the Ministry of Education.

In his poignant response, Wamalwa highlighted the detrimental effects of such a move, emphasizing the critical role that adequate nutrition plays in the education and overall well-being of Kenyan children.

“Many kids are not able to have three meals a day. Many families cannot provide that once this Finance Bill sails through…and we raise taxes on bread? Here you are splashing money on a royal jet yet the little children are suffering. Does that make sense?” he added.

Further, Wamalwa questioned what he termed as wanton wastage by President William Ruto administration, taking aim at the government's taxation policies.
 
He added that despite calls from experts for a review of the tax regime, the government has continued to impose heavy taxes on its citizens, a move that Wamalwa considers counterproductive.

“When Kenyans are questioning why you are squeezing them so hard they have a right to do so. There is rampant stealing of public funds, bursaries are delayed, and there is wastage. Very soon you will hear that there are new CASs being appointed. Then there is the matter of the former president. Why form a committee to probe? Follow the law!” Wamalwa noted.
 
Wamalwa added that over-taxing Kenyans only serves to stifle economic growth and exacerbate poverty, urging for a more sustainable approach to governance.