The Court of Appeal has declined to grant interim orders saying the ruling of Justice Mugure Thande which stayed the implementation of the Finance Act 2023, until when the court will deliver a ruling on stay application on Friday, July 28.
The court reserved its ruling on the 5(2)b application versus the Attorney General and other vs. senator Okiya Omtatah and others for 28 July.
A three-bench judge presided over by Justice David Majanja declined to lift the suspension, handing Kenyans a lifeline.
Also Read: CJ Martha Koome Names 3 Judges to Hear Finance Act Case
Repeal Finance Act- Religious leaders
Pressure is mounting on President William Ruto to repeal the piece of legislation, and ease the pressure on the high cost of living.
Religious leaders from the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims called on President William Ruto to reconsider his stance.
They urged the Kenya Kwanza administration to review the “heavy taxation burden the law was seeking to impose on Kenyans.
“Again, we appeal to President Ruto your administration repeals the Finance Bill 2023 so as to review the heavy taxation burden it imposes on Kenyans.”
Maintain the prevailing tax levels will give Citizens a chance to recover their livelihood,” stated KCCB Chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva.
Also Read: Ruto AppoiPresident nts Commission of Inquiry to Review Religious Organizations
The Religious leaders challenged the president and his government to give Kenyans hope even as millions struggle to put food on the table.
“We urge you to reverse Kenya’s downward spiral into the abyss by adopting policies and strategies that give Kenyans hope while addressing the economic challenge in both short and long terms.
The suffering individual Kenyans are facing is pushing them into hopelessness that can early inspire insurrection. Your Excellency do not allow this country to go down this path,” said the religious leaders in a statement.
On the other hand, President Ruto has praised the Finance Act 2023, calling it a gift to Kenyans that will create many opportunities.
Ruto is banking on the controversial law to finance his ambitious development agenda, including the Affordable Housing Project.
