Editor's Review

Raila Odinga’s explanation comes days after Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei filed a proposal at the senate to amend the Estate Tax act.

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has dismissed Kenya Kwanza MPs' plan to amend the Estate Duty act.

While speaking on Saturday in Kibra, the former premier claimed that the Estate Duty law exempting the Kenyatta and Moi families no longer exists as it was scraped off in 1982.

 “Nataka kuwaelimisha kwa sababu mambo mingi wanasema hawayaelewi. Hiyo sheria ya ushuru ambayo ilikua inaexempt president kulipa ushuru kama yeye anapatia watoto wake mali yake ilitengenezwa 1963 na ikaidhinishwa 1969.

"Nyayo alipochukua baada ya Kenyatta kufa, akaongeza jina yake hapo lakini wakenya wengine walikua wanalipa. Mwaka wa 1982, bunge ilipitisha sheria ya kutoa hiyo kipengele na kuweka wakenya wote wawe exempt,” Raila stated.

File image of Nandi Senator Samson Cheragei

Raila’s explanation comes days after Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei filed a proposal at the senate to amend the Estate Duty act.

In a letter dated February 1 and addressed to the Clerk of the Senate, describes the law as an ‘illegal relic and unconstitutional.’

“The constitution 2010 is aimed at creating equality & equity in the payment of taxes in Kenya. This proposed amendment of Section 7(3) of the Estate Duty Act shall cure this unconstitutional illegal legislation and allow Kenyans to be treated equally before the law,” Cherargei stated.

He added, “This section shall not apply to H.E Mzee Jomo Kenyatta or to H.E Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi be replaced by inserting the following words that this section shall not apply to the disabled, minorities and marginalized as provided by the relevant law.”