Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has publicly criticized President William Ruto's proposal to exempt Kenyans earning below Ksh30,000 from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, labeling it a "political gimmick" and a "vote-buying scheme" ahead of the 2027 general elections.

• The tax relief plan would raise the tax-free income threshold from Ksh24,000 to Ksh30,000, removing approximately 1.5 million low-income earners from the tax bracket.
• Natembeya questioned why the government is now reducing taxes after Gen Z youths protested recent tax hikes.
• The governor emphasized he would not "kneel before the President at Statehouse" for development in Trans-Nzoia County, asserting his autonomy.
• Workers earning between Ksh30,000 and Ksh50,000 will also see reduced PAYE rates, from 30 per cent to 25 per cent, benefiting an estimated 500,000 individuals.
• An individual earning Ksh30,000 monthly could save approximately Ksh731 per month under the new exemption.