On Monday, activist Okiya Omtatah moved to court to challenge the 16 percent Value Added Tax on petroleum products that took effect on Saturday.
According to the activist, the bill has negative impacts that will lead to protests from the public.
Through the petition, he stated that the move, which was affirmed by Treasury CS Henry Rotich, was invalid, unconstitutional and unfair.
A similar case was filed by COTU through which the Secretary General Francis Atwoli indicated that the tax will increase the cost of living.
The move by the activist sparked reactions from netizens.
Here are some of the reactions:
Our only last man standing ACTIVIST Okiya Omtatah files case at the High Court to block 16% VAT on fuel; Arguement ; it threatens well-being of the public.
While other lawyers will tweet about human interest cases, this true son of the soil will let the actions speak. pic.twitter.com/2U50kURYHt
Congratulations @OkiyaOmtatah where is the paybill number we do the necessary?
God bless @OkiyaOmtatah
Thank you @OkiyaOmtatah may God give you long life https://t.co/g7uprFYDF4
Omtatah’s move comes after the proposed tax took effect on September 1.
Through a press release, KRA moved to implement the tax after the Treasury CS disregarded a motion passed by Parliament to suspend the tax.
Parliament on Wednesday had passed the motion that the implementation of the tax be moved by two years.
The move by the National Assembly was meant to cushion Kenyans against the high cost of living.
According to the CS, the implementation aims to help improve tax collection efficiency.
He further added that it will supplement tax revenue sources considering the huge consumption of petroleum products in the economy.
On Sunday, Motorist Association of Kenya called for a nationwide boycott against the increased fuel prices.
In some areas, bus fares charges on Monday went up by a significant amount following the implementation.
