Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has come to the defense of the government’s tax policies, asserting that they are not as onerous as critics claim, particularly for those in the middle-income bracket.

Mbadi, a prominent figure in the ODM party who was appointed by President William Ruto, rejected accusations of excessive taxation as a misleading narrative.

“There’s a perception that we are overtaxing. I’ve examined the tax structure while looking for ways to improve payslips,” the CS explained.

In a comprehensive presentation shared with the Star, Mbadi outlined the tax implications for individuals earning Sh60,000 monthly, a salary level often linked to Kenya’s middle class.

This presentation, which addressed the economic situation, was delivered to Members of Parliament during the National Assembly Mid-Term Retreat in Naivasha. Mbadi argued that the introduction of the Housing Levy and the Social Health Insurance Fund has been inaccurately portrayed as heavy taxation.

“For someone earning Sh60,000, the extra taxes include the Housing Levy at 1.5% and the SHA at 2.75%. Together, that totals 4.25%, which amounts to Sh2,550,” he clarified.

He further noted that without these deductions, individuals would have faced a 30% tax on their income.

“The individuals most affected by these taxes are those earning what some might call super-salaries, but when you break it down, it doesn’t seem so excessive. The middle class is not as impacted,” he added.

With the new adjustments, 30% of income is retained, and the only deduction is 70% of the Sh2,550, equating to Sh1,785.

Mbadi drew a comparison to the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund contributions, where individuals earning Sh60,000 paid Sh1,700 each month.

“When you subtract that from Sh1,785, you’re only paying Sh85 more. Is that really over-taxation?” he questioned.

The Finance Minister’s comments come at a time of increasing public frustration regarding the rising cost of living and higher salary deductions.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi is expected to be dismissed imminently, according to Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech.

In an interview with Citizen TV, Koech suggested that Muturi has effectively invited his own removal by openly criticizing the government regarding abductions and extrajudicial killings, specifically targeting President William Ruto.

Muturi has voiced his concerns about the government’s handling of abductions, particularly involving young individuals, and has brushed off any threats to his position within the Cabinet.

Koech believes this defiance is a challenge to the President.

“I am aware of the political dynamics at play. He is essentially daring the president to take action against him. He has set the stage for his own dismissal, and I predict that within a week or two, CS Muturi will no longer be in office,” Koech stated.

As a former Attorney General, Muturi has highlighted the detrimental impact of ongoing abductions and killings on the nation’s image, urging President Ruto to respond decisively.

“He has provoked the president, and I can assure you, he is on his way out. It could happen as soon as today,” Koech added.

During a press conference at City Mortuary, where the remains of two of four young men abducted in Mlolongo were discovered, Muturi expressed his deep concern over the persistent disappearances and murders of Kenyan youth.

“This is a heinous crime. It is imperative that the nation prioritizes discussions on the issue of abductions and extrajudicial killings,” Muturi stated, calling for a thorough investigation into the escalating crisis.

Supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have since criticized Duale and other UDA lawmakers for their calls for Muturi’s resignation.

Local residents visiting the area discovered a body floating in the river, as reported by Uriri Sub County Police Commander Toleo Liomo.

Upon notification, police officers promptly arrived at the scene, retrieved the body, and transported it to the mortuary at Migori Level Four Hospital for identification and an autopsy.

Liomo indicated that the body showed signs of decomposition, implying that the man may have passed away several days before it was found.

The exact cause of death remains undetermined, and authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

In the meantime, Liomo has encouraged families with missing persons to reach out to the police, hoping to identify the deceased and provide closure to those who are grieving.

A 20-year-old student at Mawego National Polytechnic in Homa Bay County tragically lost her life on Saturday, allegedly over a love triangle.

Sheryl Awino, a first-year student studying land surveying, was reportedly killed by her boyfriend, who is also enrolled at the same institution. The attack was particularly brutal, as the suspect used a kitchen knife to stab Sheryl in the abdomen, resulting in the loss of her unborn child.

Her father, John Odongo, received a call from Sheryl’s roommate early Saturday morning, informing him that she had been taken to Kendu Adventist Hospital in Rachuonyo North. Unfortunately, she later succumbed to her injuries.

Investigations revealed that Sheryl had been in her hostel until Friday evening when her boyfriend came to visit. They spent the night together, and no one suspected any trouble until a commotion was heard around 5 a.m. on Saturday. Sheryl was rushed to the hospital with a serious abdominal wound, where medical staff discovered she was pregnant.

The family is calling for justice, demanding the arrest of the suspect. Rachuonyo North Police Commander Lydia Parteyie stated that efforts to locate the suspect, who remains at large, are underway.

In a separate incident in Ongogo Tir village, a 27-year-old man was fatally stabbed by a student from Asumbi Teachers Training College during a physical altercation over a female student. Boas Owino was being transported to Homa Bay Referral Hospital when he succumbed to his injuries. The acting assistant chief of the area, Tobias On’gwena, confirmed that the suspect was apprehended and taken to Mbita police station.

Tragically, four individuals, including three students from Dr. Aggrey Boys’ High School in Wundanyi constituency, Taita Taveta County, lost their lives in a bus accident.

The incident took place in the Josa area along the Wundanyi-Mwatate road when the minibus they were in experienced brake failure and crashed at the perilous Josa bend.

The students were on their way home following a second fire incident at their school, which led to the administration closing the institution and sending the students back home.

Sadly, the minibus driver also perished in the crash, while those who survived were quickly transported to Moi Referral Hospital in Voi for medical attention, with some being taken to St. Joseph Mission Hospital in Voi.

A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday at a church service in Ramoya village, located in the Samba Sub location of Suba South constituency, Homa Bay County, where a 35-year-old elder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church was fatally stabbed by a fellow elder, allegedly over a love triangle.

Francis Opiyo, an elder at Ebeneza SDA Church, was attacked with a knife at the altar in front of the congregation. Reports indicate that the stabbing occurred shortly after Francis had presented church reports to the attendees, just before the main sermon led by the pastor.

Suba South Sub County Police commander Caxton Ndunda shared that Francis had successfully concluded his segment and was in the process of handing over to another elder when the incident took place. The assailant, also an elder from the same church, approached the altar, retrieved a knife concealed inside a Bible, and stabbed Francis in the left side of his chest, causing him to collapse immediately.

Ndunda revealed that the attacker accused Francis of having an affair with his wife, who is also a member of the church. Following the stabbing, the assailant fled the scene but later turned himself in to the local Assistant Chief. Meanwhile, Francis was rushed to the hospital, where he unfortunately passed away during treatment.

The police have since apprehended the suspect, who is currently being held at the Magunga police station. Ndunda urged the community to seek peaceful resolutions to their conflicts rather than resorting to violence.

The deceased’s body has been transferred to St. Camillus Hospital Mortuary in Sori Town, Migori County.

Dr. Aggrey Boys High School in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County has been closed indefinitely, with all students sent home after a second dormitory fire occurred early Saturday morning.

The blaze erupted just two days after another fire had already devastated a dormitory on Thursday night, sending thick smoke spiraling into the air as alarms blared throughout the campus.

Students and staff were thrown into a state of panic as the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Thanks to the swift actions of students, local residents, and the county fire department, the flames were brought under control before they could spread further.

Fortunately, all students were evacuated safely, and there were no reported injuries.

Authorities are now investigating the events leading up to these consecutive fires, with speculation suggesting potential electrical issues due to recent heavy rainfall in the area.

This latest incident has raised significant concerns regarding the school’s safety protocols, leading to demands for a comprehensive investigation to avert future occurrences.

The previous fire on Thursday night had already destroyed a dormitory, leaving many students without their belongings.

The fire broke out shortly after students had completed their evening meals and were on their way to night classes.

Firefighters responded quickly and successfully contained the flames, preventing them from reaching other buildings on the campus.

Nairobi City Council finds itself embroiled in controversy following the emergence of a viral video depicting a female hawker’s child locked inside a county vehicle by city enforcement officers.

The undated footage, shared by Citizen Digital, captures the scene after the city’s inspectorate and revenue collection agents, known as kanjos, had already seized the hawker’s goods, allegedly for illegal street vending.

In the video, both the merchandise and the distressed child are seen inside the county vehicle, though it remains uncertain if the kanjos were responsible for placing the child there.

The child is visibly upset, crying and calling out for her mother during the incident, which unfolded on Tom Mboya Street.

Meanwhile, the hawker is heard shouting frantically, pleading for the return of both her goods and her child.

Her cries draw a crowd of onlookers who gather around the vehicle, insisting it cannot leave until the child is released.

Amid the chaos, the woman is seen in a heated exchange with a city official, whose identity is obscured.

The official suggests that the woman might have put the child in the vehicle, possibly as a desperate measure to retrieve her confiscated items.

By the end of the video, one of the officers is seen removing the child from the county vehicle.

The Kenyan government has raised the duty-free limit for incoming passengers from Ksh.50,000 to Ksh.250,000.

This announcement was made in a joint statement by the Cabinet Secretaries for Roads and Transport, National Treasury and Economic Planning, Interior and National Administration, and Tourism and Wildlife, which was released on Friday.

As a result, travelers bringing personal goods valued up to Ksh.250,000 will no longer incur customs duties, offering much-needed relief to those who have faced issues with their items being confiscated at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

“In an effort to enhance the screening of passenger goods, Kenya has increased the duty-free threshold from Ksh.50,000 to Ksh.250,000,” the statement noted.

“To further bolster customs operations, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will improve staff training and equip all customs officers at the airport with body-worn cameras starting July 1st, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.”

The statement highlights that these changes are part of the Airport Charter, a new initiative aimed at optimizing the operations of Kenya’s airports.

The Charter, which will be implemented within the next week, aims to improve coordination among various government agencies involved in airport management, enhance efficiency, minimize delays, and create smoother processes for passengers and other stakeholders.

The Cabinet Secretaries in charge of Transport, Treasury, Interior, and Tourism are tasked with overseeing these reforms to reinforce Kenya’s status as a leading aviation hub.

Additionally, to boost security at JKIA, the government plans to introduce advanced customer information systems for risk profiling and ensure that only bags identified by security scanners are opened in designated screening areas.

In line with the current reforms, all citizens of Africa will no longer need to obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Furthermore, the government has introduced multiple-entry ETAs and streamlined processing to enhance travel convenience.

To enhance the travel experience at JKIA, the government plans to increase the number of immigration booths and personnel in the next 90 days.

Additionally, the implementation of electronic self-clearance gates (e-Gates) is set to speed up immigration processing, as stated by the authorities.