A graphic attributed to TV47 Digital and dated September 28, 2026, which has been widely shared online, quotes Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma urging President William Ruto to persuade Parliament to increase taxes and levies to fund infrastructure.

According to the graphic, Kaluma is quoted saying: "President Ruto: Please persuade Parliament to increase taxes and levies. Kenyans need more roads and other critical infrastructure. We have no problem paying more taxes if we can get good services as your government has been doing."

The quote, which shows Kaluma making a two-finger gesture while speaking at what appears to be a parliamentary forum, has sparked debate online this evening, with some Kenyans questioning the timing given the recent Finance Bill protests.

As of 9pm tonight, a check on TV47's verified Facebook page and website did not show the quote published as an independent news story. The graphic itself carries TV47 branding and Kaluma's name and title.

Peter Kaluma is known for his active role on finance and roads legislation. The Eastleigh Voice reported that Kaluma sponsored the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes that county governments get at least five per cent of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund. The Bill seeks to amend the Kenya Roads Board Act to give counties direct access to funds from the fuel levy for maintenance and development of county roads.

The same report indicated that Kaluma's proposal would reallocate existing shares, reducing the Constituency Roads Fund from 22 per cent to 21 per cent, national roads from 40 per cent to 36 per cent, and urban roads from 15 per cent to 14 per cent.

Kaluma has previously taken strong positions on taxation. K24 Digital reported in 2025 that Kaluma proposed ending zero-rated VAT to ensure consumers directly benefit from tax relief on basic goods, a position that came as the Finance Bill 2025 was being debated after the withdrawal of the 2024 Bill following nationwide protests.

People Daily on September 15, 2026, also reported that Government Spokesperson Charles Owino criticized Kaluma over separate remarks made before the Linda Mwananchi tour in Homa Bay, describing them as careless, a report that shows Kaluma's statements often draw national attention.

The latest graphic, if confirmed, would mark a shift in the current political messaging around taxation. President Ruto's administration withdrew the Finance Bill 2024 after protests against proposals to introduce 16 percent VAT on bread, cooking oil, sugar and financial services, as documented by K24 and Eastleigh Voice.

The government has since focused the Finance Bill 2025 on green energy exemptions and agricultural inputs, while keeping basic food items unaffected.

Neither Kaluma nor State House had issued an official statement by press time tonight to confirm or deny the quote in the graphic. Efforts to reach the MP for comment on the circulating TV47 card were ongoing.

The debate comes as the National Assembly continues to discuss funding models for roads, with the Kenya Roads Board and the National Treasury exploring how to stabilize the Road Maintenance Levy Fund amid rising construction costs.