The government has been urged to adhere to the court order issued on Thursday last week, barring the 16% VAT on fuel products. The order was issued by the high court sitting in Bungoma, and the petitioners represented by advocate Ken Amondi argued that Treasury CS Henry Rotich had flouted core constitutional principles and values while making the implementation decision. However, fuel prices are still high, and public outcry is still evident, with leaders urging President Kenyatta to lighten the heavy burden.
Addressing the press, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula said a court order should be respected no matter where it’s issued from, “A legitimate court order, whether issued in Bungoma, Garissa, Turkana, Migori or wherever, is a court order. The government has a duty under the law and the constitution to obey the court order,” he said.
Wetangula said Kenyans are carrying a huge load of public debt due to mismanagement and corruption, “They’re carrying a heavy burden of the consequence of mismanagement of public affairs through disrespect of public resources in the way of corruption and outright theft of state resources,” he said.
Separately, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi said fuel shouldn’t be categorized as a luxury and placed under taxation like other commodities like luxury cars, “The importance of fuel is seen right from the kitchen up throughout all facets of the society,” he said. Muadavdi has faulted MPs for not scrutinizing the presented budget policy statement.