Big promises presidential aspirants have made will mean higher taxes so no need to celebrate

It is that silly season once again. That has been the refrain of people with political hair on their chests. It is the season when politicians pull stunts to endear themselves to voters. They perform silly antics, and get photographed while at it to show that they are in touch with the needs and feelings of the people.

If campaigning and pulling stunts are what define the silly season, then it can be said that every day in Kenya is a silly season because politicians are always in campaign mode, starting immediately after a General Election.

Well, they take a break for homecoming parties, to mark the beginning of their looting spree when they will hoodwink Kenyans as they steal their taxes.

It is during that period too, when they are supposed to be delivering on the promises they made during the campaign period, but they never do. Instead, they wait till a few months to the next elections, when they intensify their campaigns, and start giving more promises, and Kenyans sing their praises.

Those of them who are given handouts go their merry way, contented that their favourite politician cares for them. What they never know, or know but do not want to think about, is that the money they receive during the campaign period was ideally stolen from them; it is their money that is being used to bribe them.

When it comes to grand promises, Kenyans never ask how they will be achieved or funded. They are just happy that they have been told their living standards will be improved — how the politicians will work day and night to ensure that they do not sleep hungry and all their needs will be met.

It is common knowledge that projects by politicians are funded by the public. Even if the money comes from foreign donors, the people will still pay it back. So, should any of these promises come to pass, Kenyans should brace themselves for higher taxes.