Advocate Willis Otieno urges court to strike out Finance Act
City advocate Willis Otieno has joined the chorus of stakeholders opposing the Finance Act 2023.
In an interview with Citizen TV, the renowned lawyer suggested the Act had failed the popularity test after it was overwhelmingly rejected during the public participation process.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is among the stakeholders who objected to the Act, warning that the country could lose up to Ksh.150 billion as a result of mass exodus by both foreign and local investors.
The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has also highlighted its reservations with the Act, cautioning that up to 100,000 jobs will be lost, owing to the implications emanating from the proposed Bill.
KAM and KEPSA, expressed their concerns before the National Assembly Committee on Finance which is gathering public opinion from members of the public and private sectors.
“There will be no crisis in the country if the High Court nullifies the Finance Act. Following public participation, 97% of the respondents rejected it and they cannot all be wrong. Gov’t should not force their way on Kenyans,” he said.
The Finance Act, which was overwhelmingly passed by Parliament, has faced significant backlash from the public.
Among other, the Act seeks to double the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 8% to 16%.
It also vouches for a standard 1.5% deducation on all salaried Kenyans, with the proceeds directed towards building affordable houses for Kenyans.
Mr Otieno urged the government not to disregard the overwhelming rejection of the Finance Act.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has filed a case in court seeking to stop the implementation of Act. Also an activist, Omtatah has successfully managed to convince the court to temporarily halt the implementation of the Act pending the determination of the case.
Mr Otieno suggested that should the High Court nullify the Financ Act, President William Ruto’s government will have to balance its books and work with the available resources.
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