President William Ruto is facing a wave of discontent after an article from the international media outlet BBC portrayed him as a Tax Collector President, sparking dissatisfaction among Kenyans.
This was after the UK-based media house described how Kenyans had mockingly referred to him as "Zakayo," a Swahili term alluding to the biblical figure Zacchaeus, known for his reputation as a tax collector.
This nickname originates from President Ruto's contentious choice to implement new taxes and raise existing ones since assuming office in August 2022. This move has left numerous individuals feeling disillusioned and perceiving it as a departure from his campaign commitments.
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According to BBC, President Ruto, who pledged to champion the interests of "hustlers" or those facing financial struggles, has encountered backlash for the taxation measures that have strained the wallets of ordinary Kenyans.
The biblical analogy, likening Zacchaeus, a covetous tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus, mirrors the sentiments of those who think that President Ruto's deeds diverge from his pre-election promises.
In a recent Independence Day speech on December 12, President Ruto acknowledged the "painful" nature of the introduced taxes but defended the measures as necessary sacrifices to reduce government borrowing and address the soaring national debt, which currently stands at 10 trillion shillings ($65 billion; £51 billion).
"We have made the right choices, sometimes taking very difficult and painful decisions, to steer Kenya back from the edge of the catastrophic cliff of debt distress," he stated.
President Ruto has embraced the "Zakayo" moniker, even suggesting the possibility of a "tax collector day" in May. However, the widespread dissatisfaction among Kenyans persists, with everyday conversations dominated by concerns over the rising cost of living and the perceived misuse of tax revenue.
Critics argue that the taxes imposed by the government are contributing to excessive spending rather than improving public services. The Controller of Budget, an independent office overseeing public funds, recently expressed concern about high taxes funding what was described as "wasteful" government expenditure, particularly on domestic and international travel by officials.
It is a news article that has attracted reactions from readers from across the globe, with a few Kenyans also taking to BBC's page to either approve or disapprove of the article in equal measures.
