Opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua,Fred Matiang’i,Kalonzo Musyoka and Justin Muturi…..Photo/CG
By Alex Wekesa
Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, spearheading the United Opposition coalition, unveiled an aggressive alternative economic manifesto dubbed the “People’s Budget 2026”.
Speaking in a joint opposition address directly countering the state’s budget readout, Musyoka lambasted the government’s economic blueprint as unconstitutional, chaotic and detached from reality.
Key Highlights of the Opposition’s Budget Proposal
- The Land Rent Alarm: Musyoka forcefully demanded the total rejection of the Finance Bill 2026/2027, warning that its new land rent provisions introduce long-term leases that effectively strip Kenyans of their hard-earned independence land rights.
- Social Safety Net Restoration: The alternative proposal demands the full restoration of critical national programs including Linda Mama (maternal healthcare) and Edu Afya (student medical cover), alongside the complete scraping of the controversial Affordable Housing Levy.
- Slashing Executive Greed: The opposition outlined a strategy to significantly reduce the operational budgets and salaries of the Executive, Parliament, and Judiciary while freezing bloated allocations to agencies like the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
- Free Education and Medicare: The alternative budget promises fully funded, genuine free primary and secondary education, alongside free medical care in all public hospitals by cutting down on public corruption and debt mismanagement.
Solidarity with Gachagua
Flanked by other opposition co-principals, Musyoka explicitly used the budget podium to comment on the unfolding judicial situation.
He stated that because the High Court found a fundamental violation of due process, the conviction is legally flawed.
Musyoka publicly encouraged Gachagua, asserting to the media that “Rigathi Gachagua can and will run for elective office,” dismissing arguments to the contrary as simple political intimidation.
Ends.
