In Summary
- Court of Appeal declines to issue interim orders to lift the suspension of the Finance Act 2023
- The Court proceedings have garnered significant public interest
The Court of Appeal has today declined to grant orders to stay the decision made by Justice Mugure Thande who suspended the implementation of the contentious finance bill act 2023.
Justices Mohammed Warsame, Hello Omondi and Kathurima Minoti instead ruled that they will render their final decision on the matter on 28th of July.
READ ALSO: CJ Koome Appoints Three-Judge Bench to Hear Petition Challenging Finance Act
Government’s Plea
In his defense Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njunguna Ndungu lamented that the suspension of the act would significantly impact government operations.
The Finance Act 2023 has been at the center of a legal battle initiated by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and several other petitioners.
The group argues that the Act is unconstitutional as it did not undergo the required approval process in the Senate.
READ ALSO: High Court Extends Suspension Of Finance Act, Orders Full Trial
Koome selects Three Judge Bench
Recently chief justice Martha Koome appointed a three judge bench to hear the matter. The panel comprises Judges Lawrence Mugambi, David Majanja, and Christine Meori.
READ ALSO: CJ Koome Launches Permanent List Of Shame For Convicted Sexual Offenders
The contentious Finance Act 2023 was passed by the National Assembly, triggering debates and protests from various sectors in the country. Among its most controversial provisions are tax reforms that are targeting the common Mwananchi.
The government through the act seeks to mobilize additional 311 billion shillings to scale up the country’s revenue streams and go slow on borrowing.
