Njugush addresses claims he earns more that President Ruto

13 June 2023

• President Ruto said Butita and Njugush earn more than he does.

• Njugush is among content creators who will be taxed

Content creator Njugush has responded to remarks by President Ruto that he and Butita earn more than the Head of State.

Speaking during an interview on Hot 96, Njugush said as much as there is money in content creation some do content for fun.

"When the President said that Butita and I earn more than him I knew there was a problem.

There was a narrative he was trying to set, That we make so much money.

Even the other day Jalang'o said some content creators flaunt money.

But he did not say most of us post paybill when life hits rock bottom."

Njugush says there is money in content creator, but not as the President wants to potray.

"It is true there is money but not in that magnitude.

15% tax is too much, other people pay 10% kwani where are we getting money as content creators?

It's unfair for us."

Njugush for him, he already pays tax via his company hence he does not see the need to be taxed again

"I have a corporate company and pay taxes, does that mean that aside from my company I will have to pay the 15 %tax again?

I want it to be clear, also what is content creation? Some people create content for fun.

Does it become illegal for such a person not to pay tax?

Also influencer are sometimes offered 'free stuff'.

Eg one might be able to afford food but a company offers the person food in return for influencing.

Does one have to pay tax? He questioned

Speaking at State House, Ruto said that his government is working on mechanisms for monetizing the digital space.

I know there is a proposal in this year's budget on Digotal content and creators are making a statement. I have told ICT and finance committee to work on it and let’s give them a little more space. Let’s allow them kidogo wajipange but later all over will pay tax.

"You know when KRA hears that there is someone somewhere making money, they visit him… but we have heard you and we are going to work with you and make sure that does not work against what you want to do,” the President said.

The Head of State further gave examples of Comedian Eddie Butita and Njugush- saying they are making more money than him through content creation.

“…That is why we have Njugush and Butita around – these are our great artistes who are monetizing their content. Congratuklations Gentlement. Those two gentlemen you see there are making more money than my salary, msiowaone sijui ati wamevaa T-shirt, those guys are serious entrepreneurs.

Congratulations for being examples for many of our young people and knowing that the YouTube space is available for our young people," President Ruto said.