Gathungu sympathise with workers despite pay rise by Ruto

By Newsflash Writer

Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau has expressed concern over the worsening economic situation facing Kenyan workers, even as President William Ruto announced a 12 percent wage increase during the 2026 Labour Day celebrations.

In his Labour Day message, Gathungu said the reality for many workers remains bleak, arguing that increased salaries will offer little relief in the face of rising statutory deductions and a high cost of living.

Workers ‘burning with anger’

“Today, allow me not to wish Kenyan workers a happy Labour Day. Deep inside, they are burning with anger and frustration,” Gathungu said, capturing the mood he believes defines the country’s workforce.

The MCA, who is eyeing the Ndaragwa parliamentary seat in 2027, lamented that many employees are grappling with financial distress, attributing it to what he termed as excessive taxation and mandatory deductions that continue to shrink already strained payslips.

“The Government which should protect them is terrorizing their payslip,” he said, pointing to housing levies and health insurance deductions as key burdens.

“They are deducted money every month, but when they go to hospitals they don’t get services worth their deduction.”

The MCA further painted a grim picture, revealing that he has attended funerals of workers who allegedly took their own lives due to overwhelming economic pressure. “I have attended burials of workers who have committed suicide due to heavy burdens of life,” he noted.

Call to scrap ‘punitive taxes’

Gathungu also took aim at elected leaders, accusing a majority of Members of Parliament of remaining silent while workers suffer. “The Kenyan workers are on their own. Majority of the MPs they elected cannot talk,” he said.

The leader called on a potential new administration to prioritize workers’ welfare. “To the incoming alternative government, your first duty… remove these punitive taxes,” he urged.

He also proposed that the affordable housing programme be devolved to county governments, arguing it would enhance accountability and allow counties to generate their own revenue.

Meanwhile, President Ruto, speaking during the national Labour Day event in Vihiga County, announced a 12 percent general wage increase, with agricultural workers set to receive a higher adjustment of 15 percent.

The move follows sustained pressure from labour unions demanding better pay to match inflation and rising living costs.

While the wage increment is expected to boost disposable incomes, critics argue that without addressing taxation, workers will continue to struggle.