Babu Owino criticises Ruto for taxing beauty industry

Embakasi East MP Babu  Owino has weighed in on the proposed five per cent tax on wigs, false beards, and eyebrows. 

He criticised President William Ruto for imposing tax on the beauty industry which has for many years been left untouched.

Owino on Sunday said it is not good for the government to steal from ladies. 

"A real man should not steal from ladies. Our ladies are now putting on these wigs and weaves to attract tourists," he said. 

The MP said the main tourist attraction in the country is the beautiful ladies. 

"Kenyans will lose billions of dollars because tourists will cease coming here. Because a lot of taxes are now going to purchase these items that our ladies are using," Owino said. 

"Right now they are taxing the weaves, the wigs, artificial eyebrows, even the fake beards that make out young men look more handsome," he said. 

Owino said he is not in support of the increased taxation in the country.

The lawmaker said as a result of the over-taxation, Kenyans are depressed and some are even committing suicide as they are losing hope.

Owino's remarks come as National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u proposed a five per cent tax on wigs, false beards, and eyebrows. 

The CS also wants tax added on eyelashes, switches, and other beauty products including artificial nails. 

The Bill which has been tabled in Parliament outlines the various revenue-raising measures by the government to finance the 2023/24  budget.

The proposal has received mixed reactions, with Kenyans urging the Kenya Kwanza to mostly focus on commodities like cigarettes, alcohol, and others.