Former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta has issued a bold response to recent political jabs directed at her family over accusations of tax evasion, saying that if she has defaulted on any taxes, her property should be auctioned.
Mama Ngina spoke out on Saturday while addressing the public at the opening of the Tewa Catholic Church in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, where she expressed her criticism of the allegations and called them “lies”.
“I am surprised to hear some people say that others do not pay taxes. The government has its own system of how things are handled,” Mama Ngina said, as translated from Kiswahili.
“Paying taxes, whether it is income tax or any other tax, is mandatory for everyone, big or small, to pay according to their ability and income. This is not a matter of discussion in newspapers, public rallies, or on TV. If you do not pay taxes, you go to court. That is the law,” she added.
The former First Lady went on to challenge the government to auction her property and belongings if indeed she has not been paying her taxes.
“If you do not pay what you are supposed to pay, your belongings must be auctioned. So there is no need… there is no need to tarnish others’ names and say that they are working, and running the country. No.” Mama Ngina added.
“Nobody should be asked to pay what they are supposed to pay. If it is I who has failed to pay taxes for even one year, my property should be auctioned to pay for the taxes. So there is no need for this kind of politics… and people know the truth, they just want to mention names.”
The former First Lady’s response comes amid growing calls for a tax audit on her family’s tax records and those of the late President Daniel Moi.
Last month, senators led by John Methu (Nyandarua) called on the National Assembly to investigate tax waivers enjoyed by the Kenyatta family during former President Uhuru’s tenure and to conduct an audit of Uhuru’s wealth to establish whether the former First family paid their land rates.
The demand for scrutiny of Kenyatta’s wealth follows President William Ruto’s push for individuals in previous governments to be held accountable and start paying taxes.
This week, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the government will no longer borrow and will instead pursue those who have not been paying taxes. “We are going to develop this country with our own resources because we have stopped borrowing,” he said.
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