Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza have hit out at some Meru politicians over what they term as incitement to the public to evade tax.
Speaking at Gitoro Showground, the two leaders noted that tax evasion would destabilize the economy and stall development of the nation.
Mwangaza who fired first directed her bullet to Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi and Tigania East Mpuru Aburi among other leaders, who she accused of trying to disrupt her leadership.
“It is surprising to see some of our leaders, led by our senator, a number of MCAs, and some members of the National assembly crisscrossing the County doing campaigns that people should not pay taxes. It is shameful and shame on them” said a bitter Kawira.
She added that her administration will not tolerate any leader to come on board in Meru inciting people not to pay tax.
“It is a call from our President that everyone pays tax. Let ‘team Kibiri’ know that the meeting they had in Maua will be the last meeting they did to incite people on taxes”, cautioned Mwangaza.
Through CS Linturi as an emissary, Mwangaza said “Take a clear message to senator Kathuri and Mpuru Aburi, tell them that the mission they have of going round using ‘Kibiri’ and inciting people not to pay taxes, tumewaonea 18 na hapa Meru wakicheza hawatakanyanga sana“.
On his part, CS Linturi said that for development projects to take place, peace and unity is key and urged leaders and locals to support the county government and shun early politics.
“Politics ended and now we are on a move to restore our economy……..I wonder when I hear there are those planning protests to incite residents not to pay tax. How will we ensure sustainability in development projects if we evade tax. We must all be ready to beat the deadline to file our tax returns so that we can be able to run our affairs as a country” said CS Linturi.
“We have a legitimate government in Meru elected by the people, you have the responsibility to pay levies or taxes that the county is asking you to pay, because you require services from the government of Kawira Mwangaza. So when you hear someone telling you not to pay taxes, just know that they are blocking you from getting services”
During her 3rd monthly presser on May 31, 2023, governor Mwangaza said that those opposed to payment of tax /evading taxes should be denied salary and charges taken upon them.
“Any leader, especially the elected leaders, should be denied salaries if they incite residents against paying taxes. The revenue department together with the legal department should also consider charges preferred against them. We will not keep quiet as they call for accountability and continue inciting them not to pay “, remarked Mwangaza.
