The exchange centered on provisions relating to the settlement of outstanding tax liabilities, exposing divisions within the House despite Junet's perceived cooperation with the broad-based government.
His position surprised many legislators and prompted cheers from MPs viewed as members of the opposition, highlighting rare unity across political lines on a controversial aspect of the Bill.
At the heart of the disagreement is the proposed Voluntary Disclosure Programme, a measure designed to allow taxpayers to voluntarily declare previously undisclosed tax obligations.
Supporters of the proposal argue that it would encourage compliance, improve revenue collection, and broaden the tax base without imposing additional taxes on citizens.
Defending the provision, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah described it as an important administrative reform that would strengthen the country's tax system while giving individuals and businesses an opportunity to regularize their tax affairs.
However, Junet Mohamed and other lawmakers expressed reservations about certain accompanying clauses.
They argued that some of the provisions could disadvantage taxpayers who are already undergoing audits or investigations, potentially creating confusion and unfair treatment within the tax administration process.
The debate reflects broader concerns surrounding the Finance Bill 2026, which has continued to attract scrutiny from lawmakers, businesses, and members of the public.
As Parliament continues its consideration of the proposed legislation, discussions are expected to intensify over measures aimed at balancing government revenue needs with taxpayer protections.
The outcome of the deliberations could have significant implications for Kenya's tax framework and the implementation of future fiscal policies.
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