Kalonzo Challenges Ruto Over Taxes, Empowerment and Housing Levy

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised President William Ruto's government over taxes, empowerment programmes and the housing levy.

Kalonzo spoke on Saturday, September 26, 2026, during the Komboa Kenya Western Tour at Bumala Market in Busia County. He questioned the government's empowerment programmes and said many Kenyans were still struggling to meet their basic needs.

Kalonzo used the shortage of milk to challenge the government's claim that its empowerment programmes were helping ordinary citizens.

“Na wewe unasema ati tunafanya empowerment. Maziwa hakuna,” Kalonzo said.

The former Vice President also referred to the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary contest, saying voters had shown that they could reject political campaigns based on material donations.

He claimed that some voters had been offered items such as wheelbarrows, mattresses, gas cylinders and a boat during the campaign period. Kalonzo said the experience showed that voters could make their own decisions despite such political activities.

His remarks come after other opposition leaders also raised allegations about the use of government resources and donations during the Ol Kalou campaign. These claims have been disputed and should not be treated as established findings.

Kalonzo also turned his attention to the housing levy, saying his political side would seek to remove the levy if it gets an opportunity to form the next government.

He argued that Kenyans were already facing a heavy tax burden and said the housing levy was adding to the pressure on households.

“Kwa hivyo, hata kama uamuzi unatoka kusema unaweza kuendelea, endelea tu. Lakini zimesalia siku mia tatu pekee yake,” he said.

The housing levy has remained a major political and legal issue in Kenya, with the government defending the programme as part of its affordable housing plan while critics have questioned its impact on taxpayers.

Kalonzo's comments came as he continued his political engagements in Western Kenya. His tour follows President Ruto's recent activities in the region and comes as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.