Parliament Debunks Viral Freehold Land Tax Claims in Finance Bill 2026 as Kalonzo Warns Against Hidden Burdens

The National Assembly has dismissed viral reports alleging that the Finance Bill 2026 seeks to impose annual land rent charges on freehold landowners, terming the claims false and misleading.

In a statement issued through the official communication channels of parliamentary committees on Saturday, May 24, 2026, Parliament clarified that the Finance Bill currently under review contains no provisions related to land ownership, land rent, or the conversion of freehold land into leasehold tenure.

According to Parliament, the bill comprises 57 clauses, none of which addresses matters concerning land or introduces new annual taxes on freehold property owners.

“The Finance Bill 2026 contains a total of 57 clauses, and none concerns land. There are no provisions on land rent,” the statement noted, dismissing widespread social media claims as misinformation aimed at confusing the public.

Parliament also refuted allegations that President William Ruto had recently signed into law legislation requiring freehold landowners to pay annual land rent. The House maintained that no such bill has been debated, passed, or assented to during the current parliamentary term.

“There is no law passed by Parliament or signed by the President regarding land rent on freehold land,” the clarification stated.

The National Assembly has since urged Kenyans to rely on verified government and parliamentary communication channels for accurate information regarding the Finance Bill 2026 and other legislative matters, warning against the spread of misleading online narratives.

The clarification comes amid growing public scrutiny over the proposed Finance Bill, with many Kenyans closely monitoring its tax proposals and possible economic impact.

However, even as Parliament moved to calm fears over alleged land taxes, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka intensified criticism of the Finance Bill, urging Kenyans to reject it in its current form.

Speaking on Sunday, May 24, 2026, during a church service at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kenol, Murang’a County, Kalonzo claimed the proposed law contains hidden provisions that could negatively affect landowners, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.

He urged citizens to actively participate in the ongoing public participation exercise and closely scrutinise the bill, arguing that it risks worsening the financial burden on ordinary Kenyans already grappling with economic hardship.

“Reject Finance Bill 2026/27 as it is because it will quietly introduce burdens that could heavily affect many Kenyans,” Kalonzo said.

The debate surrounding the Finance Bill 2026 continues to spark political and public interest as lawmakers prepare for further deliberations in Parliament.