Ledama Olekina Declares Interest In Presidency, Promises To Lower Taxes: "Only 10% Taxation"

• Narok senator Ledama Olekina has promised to reduce and eliminate taxes imposed on essential commodities when he becomes president
• Olekina did not disclose when he would view for the senior-most position but only indicated the time as 'in the near future'
• He said Kenyans will only pay 10% in taxes under his soon-to-be leadership, with income tax and import and export duties removed

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Narok senator Ledama Olekina has declared interest in the presidency with the ambition to lower taxes.

The ODM politician, however, did not state when he would vie for the top seat but was categorical that the time would be soon.

What will Olekina do when he becomes president?

He also stated that he would eliminate all the punitive taxes, including income tax and import and export duties.

"Kenyans will only pay 10% in taxes when I take over the leadership of this country in the near future …. God willing…… I will eliminate all other taxes, including income tax and import and export duty," he said.

Olekina is among the Azimio leaders who have been at the forefront of confronting President William Ruto's government to reduce the high cost of living.

His support for the opposition government became apparent when he attempted to disrupt Ruto's declaration as the president-elect in the 2022 election at the Bomas of Kenya.

What did Olekina do?

The outspoken senator's actions on August 15, 2022, aimed to stop the announcement he believed didn't reflect the will of the people.

In reiteration, chairs were hurled at him, the lectern flung down the auditorium, and delegates whisked to safety in what quickly spiralled into an altercation between GSU officers and supporters of the Azimio La Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions.

Recalling what transpired, the leader stressed that he would not be tired of fighting for the will of the people.

However, in a separate event, Olekina lamented losing state honours due to the events that unfolded on the day.

"I never knew that people could be very petty. Recently, I was nominated to receive honours as the Chief of the Burning Spear because of my work and my position in parliament by the joint secretariat.

But because of the incident at Bomas, Kenya, a petition was engineered and my name was removed from the list by the Kenya Kwanza team led by Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula," he said on a live TV show.