Several advocates from the High Court of Kenya, including Ndegwa Njiru, Lempaa Suyinka, Fanya Mambo Kinuthia, Peter Koira, Ishmael Muriithi, Jackline Mwangi, Charles Mabiru, and the Mt. Kenya Jurists Association, have filed an urgent petition seeking to block President William Ruto from signing the Finance Bill 2024 into law. This legal move comes in response to the National Assembly’s contentious passage of the tax bill, which they argue disregards the majority opposition from Kenyans and undermines constitutional mandates.
In their petition, represented by lawyer Kibe Mungai, the advocates assert that Parliament has failed in its duty to protect the sovereignty and interests of the Kenyan people. They contend that widespread protests across the country have been met with government repression, including alleged intimidation and abduction of protest leaders. The petitioners argue that such actions underscore the urgency for the court to intervene and suspend the implementation of the Finance Bill 2024 until their case is heard and determined.
The advocates’ legal challenge highlights growing tensions over fiscal policy and governance in Kenya, where public dissent against new tax proposals has escalated into significant protests. Their petition seeks to uphold constitutional principles and ensure that legislative decisions align with the broader interests and rights of the Kenyan populace amid a backdrop of political and social unrest.
