Owalo vows tax cuts, rules out stepping down in presidential race

Presidential candidate Eliud Owalo speaking in Gem Siaya County./FAITH MATETE

Presidential candidate Eliud Owalo has intensified his 2027 campaign, promising sweeping tax cuts, free public services and a crackdown on public debt, while dismissing claims that he could step down for another contender.

Speaking in Gem Sub-county, Siaya County, Owalo said his long-standing presidential bid remains firmly on course, positioning himself as a leader capable of steering the country toward what he termed “economic liberation".

“Some people think Owalo has stepped forward and at some point in time may step down for anybody. That is wishful thinking. I’m in this race for the long haul and I will be on the ballot,” he stated.

Owalo noted that he was in government but left voluntarily to pursue his presidential bid so as to bring real change to the country by facilitating a transformational agenda for the benefit of the people.

“I want to bring real change in this country, not for personal gain,” he said, adding that his background as an economist equips him with solutions to Kenya’s pressing challenges.

Owalo took aim at the current taxation regime, linking high taxes to the rising cost of living. He argued that the burden falls on a small number of taxpayers and called for expansion of the tax base instead of increasing rates.

He proposed reducing income tax from 35 per cent to 20 per cent, lowering Value Added Tax from 16 per cent to 10 per cent, and cutting corporate tax by five per cent across the board. He also pledged to scrap digital taxes, saying the move would unlock employment opportunities for young people.

The candidate further attributed the country’s economic strain to a growing debt burden, which he claimed has not always been used for public benefit. He said his administration would adopt a zero-budget deficit policy and conduct a forensic audit of existing debt to establish how funds were utilised.

“We must deal with the debt burden and seal corruption leakages while cutting waste in government,” he said.

Owalo said savings from reduced wastage and improved accountability would be redirected towards free primary education, free day secondary education and free healthcare in public hospitals. Youth empowerment, he added, would be prioritised through job creation in the digital space and sports sectors.

On the political front, Owalo criticised what he described as limited political competition in some regions, despite the country’s multi-party framework under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

He announced plans to launch his own political party within the month and called on like-minded leaders to join and contest on its platform.

“We must have a multiplicity of parties so that people have the opportunity to elect leaders who can facilitate real change,” he said.

Owalo dismissed speculation that he might step down in favour of another candidate, maintaining that he is in the race for the long haul.

“I will be on the ballot,” he said, urging Kenyans to support his bid.