Tax Promises, Power, and the Question of Credibility: Examining Eliud Owalo’s 2027 Presidential Bid

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As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election, political realignments and early presidential ambitions are beginning to take shape. Among the emerging names is Eliud Owalo, former Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy and later Chief of Staff at State House, who has publicly expressed his interest in contesting for the presidency in 2027.

In a recent public statement, Owalo outlined what he describes as bold tax reforms he would implement if elected president:

“If you elect me as president of the Republic of Kenya, I will bring down income tax from 35% to 20%, VAT from 16% to 10% and housing tax from 1.5% to 0.5%. I want to eliminate punitive taxation.”

At face value, this message resonates strongly with ordinary Kenyans who are struggling under a heavy tax burden amid rising costs of living. However, the statement also raises critical questions about consistency, responsibility, and realism.

What makes this promise controversial is not the desire to reduce taxes, but the political context in which it is being made. Eliud Owalo served at the highest levels of the current government, a government that:

• Introduced or expanded several of the taxes now being described as “punitive”
• Publicly defended these measures as necessary for revenue generation and debt management
• Implemented the policies through Parliament and executive authority

  

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During his tenure as CS and later Chief of Staff, there was no public record of opposition, resignation, or dissent against these tax policies. This leads to unavoidable questions:

• If these taxes were punitive, why were they supported while he was in office?
• Why is the critique coming after leaving government, and now in the context of a presidential campaign?
• What changed policy understanding, political positioning, or electoral ambition?

Reducing income tax, VAT, and housing levy simultaneously would result in a significant reduction in government revenue. Such reforms, while popular, require:

• Clear plans for revenue replacement
• Serious cuts in public expenditure
• Strong anti-corruption mechanisms
• Legislative support in Parliament
• Alignment with constitutional and fiscal frameworks

Without explaining how essential services—healthcare, education, security, infrastructure—would be funded, these promises risk being perceived as campaign populism rather than policy.

As Owalo positions himself as a 2027 presidential contender, Kenyans are not only listening to promises—they are also examining records. Leadership is measured not just by what one pledges when seeking votes, but by what one defended or challenged while in power.

Tax reform is necessary. Economic relief is urgent. But Kenyans deserve honest conversations, not selective outrage or convenient rediscovery of public pain.

Eliud Owalo’s presidential ambition adds an important voice to the 2027 debate. However, his tax proposals invite scrutiny—not because they aim to reduce the burden on citizens, but because of the gap between past responsibility and present rhetoric.

As the country moves toward another decisive election, voters must ask not only “What is being promised?” but also “Who is promising—and what did they do when they had the chance?”