United Opposition leaders have accused President William Ruto’s administration of overburdening Kenyans with punitive taxes, high fuel prices and harsh economic policies in the proposed Finance Bill.

The opposition also voiced fears that the incumbent is planning massive rigging of 2027 elections after his allies said at the weekend they will emulate Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and Tanzanian Suluhu Hassan who recaptured their seats with over 60 and 98 per cent wins respectively.

 Both Ugandan and Tanzanian presidential elections were marked with massive electoral fraud and potential rivals of incumbents were locked. In Tanzania, Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu has been in detention for nearly two years while in Uganda, Dr Kizza Besigye to has been incarceration for over a year after he was kidnapped in Nairobi, Kenya, and ferried home to answer treason charges.

Against touch dour backdrop, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula gloated that President Ruto was sure of 100 per cent vote in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an interdenominational peace prayer meeting at Blue Post Hotel in Murang’a County led by Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, the leaders claimed the government had ignored the struggles facing ordinary wananchi, warning that the Finance Bill would further raise the cost of living for already strained families.

The opposition leaders faulted the Kenya Kwanza administration over what they termed hard-hitting economic decisions that continue to push millions of Kenyans into hardship.

“Kenyans are suffering because of punitive taxes, high fuel prices and policies that do not favour ordinary citizens. Instead of easing the burden, the government is introducing more measures that will make life even harder,” Kalonzo said.

He said if not careful, the government will push the  citizens to a position that may cause tensions and revolt, a situation that could be avoided by being responsive to their demands of lowering the cost of living.

Kalonzo also cautioned politicians against targeting communities for political gain, saying the country must avoid divisions similar to those witnessed during the 2007 post-election violence.

“We should not profile or attack any community because of politics. Kenya belongs to all of us and leaders must promote unity instead of incitement,” he said.

The former vice president further termed claims by some United Democratic Alliance leaders about a possible rigging of the 2027 General Election in favour of the government as reckless, warning that Kenyans would not allow manipulation of the electoral process.

He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to involve all stakeholders in electoral preparations to ensure transparency and public confidence ahead of the polls.

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi called for respect among political leaders during campaigns, saying insults and condescension are unnecessary and are likely fuel tensions in the country.

“Leaders must respect one another even when they disagree politically. Belittling others and using inflammatory language can easily divide Kenyans and heighten political tensions,” Muturi said.

Meanwhile, former Nyali MP Mohammed Ali warned the IEBC against any attempts to manipulate the 2027 elections.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Muoki Charles