CJ Koome appoints three judge bench to determine fate of Finance Act

By Peter Ochieng

Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Karambu Koome has taken a major step towards determining the fate of Finance Act, 2023.

On Tuesday, Koome who doubles up as president of the Supreme Court appointed a three judge bench to determine the fate of the Act, following a petition filed by Busia Senator Okoiti Okiyah Omtatah, amongst others.

The case will be presided over by Justice David Majanja. Lawrence Mugambi and Christine Maori complete the line up.

Last week, High Court Judge Mugure Thande declined to suspend implementation of the Finance Act.

She instead fowarded the file to CJ Koome, for her to appoint a panel to oversee the case.

The three judges will have a sitting to set the date for hearing, with president William Ruto hopeful that he gets a positive ruling.

Omtatah moved to court against implementation of the Finance Act, stating that it was unconstitutional.

It introduced a set of new taxes, including the 1.5 per cent housing levy.

Through the Act, Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products is now 16 per cent, up from 8 per cent.