Gachagua Launches “Rescue the Payslip” Campaign Against Ruto’s Tax Policies

In his sustained war against President William Ruto’s administration, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched his latest campaign, “Rescue the Payslip,” aimed at addressing the financial strain caused by recent Kenya Kwanza’s tax legislation.

From his home in Wamunyoro, Nyeri County, Gachagua took to TikTok to voice his concerns regarding the new tax measures, particularly the Tax Amendment Act and the Tax Procedures Act, which came into force on December 27, 2024. These laws have significantly increased the financial burden on Kenyan workers, with one of the key changes being the doubling of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions for those earning over Ksh.36,000, now jumping from Ksh.2,160 to Ksh.4,320 per month.

“We want to rescue the payslip because the payslip iliguzwa na iko shida mingi sana. (We want) to restore the dignity of the payslip so that the people are able to do their things,” Gachagua stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action to alleviate the economic pressures on salaried Kenyans.

The new legislation also introduces a significant economic presence tax, raising the rate from 1.5% to 3% of turnover for digital services, replacing the previous digital service tax. This, coupled with a new 5% withholding tax on digital platforms, is expected to impact the earnings of many in the digital sector, a group that includes a substantial number of young Kenyans.

Recognizing the potential adverse effects on youth engaged in digital entrepreneurship, Gachagua pledged to engage with this demographic. “For our young people, those who are talented and in the online space, we are going to have a conversation with our young people so that they can tell me what they think we can do and what we can put in place so that their lives may be better,” he said. He stressed the importance of acknowledging and supporting the talents of the youth, ensuring they have the platforms to earn, communicate, and be recognized.

This initiative by Gachagua comes at a time when his relationship with President Ruto has publicly soured, with the former deputy president increasingly positioning himself as the key critic of the current administration’s policies. His campaign not only highlights the economic challenges faced by Kenyans but also positions him as a protector of the common citizen against what he perceives as oppressive fiscal policies.

While making it clear he’s determined to oust President Ruto, Gachagua makes it open that payslip will be one of his administration’s key priorities. “The reason the economy is not thriving is because the payslip was raided, and people have no purchasing power. Our first responsibility will be to rescue the payslip”

Gachagua’s “Rescue the Payslip” campaign has positioned him as a vocal critic of Ruto’s economic policies, which he claims are disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income earners. His focus on the digital economy has also endeared him to Kenya’s tech-savvy youth, who view him as a potential advocate for their interests.

Political analysts suggest that Gachagua’s campaign could be a strategic move to rally public support and position himself as a champion of the common mwananchi (citizen) ahead of the 2027 general elections. By addressing the concerns of workers and young people, he is tapping into a significant voter base that feels alienated by the current administration’s tax policies.

Gachagua, who is riding on Ruto’s alleged betrayal of Mount Kenya, could be the kingmaker if he does not run for President.

The former DP has consolidated support in his Mt Kenya backyard, having recently met with Karua.

He has hosted a series of strategic meetings at his Wamunyoro residence to solidify regional backing.

Gachagua aims to deliver approximately eight million votes from Mount Kenya counties, challenging his coalition partners to push for voter registration to bolster their numbers.

Gachagua has attributed his ouster as the country’s second in command to not having his own party, which would have secured a watertight coalition agreement with Ruto.

He is now set to unveil his political party next month, following his removal as UDA’s deputy party leader. The launch signals a broader strategy: to strengthen regional parties before merging them into a formidable coalition to challenge Ruto in 2027.

“In the next few days, I will launch my political vehicle, which will be the choice for the people of Mount Kenya. We have agreed that in our region, there will be no UDA and no yellow colours,” he affirmed.