Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei on Sunday, July 9, warned Kenyans of an impending fuel shortage.
The parliamentarian, who also serves as the National Assembly deputy speaker, made the remarks while addressing the press after a medical camp in her county.
Shollei noted that the High Court's decision to suspend the implementation of the Finance Act 2023 would bring about the fuel crisis.
She faulted the High Court decision noting that it had denied the government the much-needed revenue.
“The argument that should be made before the court is very clear. On a balance, is there going to be irreparable harm and damage to the economy of this country if this Finance Act 2023 is not implemented? Soon you will have no fuel for your cars,” she warned should the courts not lift the suspension on implementation of the Act.
Shollei further warned that the country was on the brink of defaulting on its loans should the suspension continue.
Further, she warned that President William Ruto would be forced to make hard decisions in terms of instituting austerity measures to circumnavigate the cash crunch.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, economist Fred Ogolla warned that Kenya was in a precarious position in terms of paying its debts.
“The government will find itself without the cash to pay foreign oil importers soon, which will hurt the economy,” he stated.
On Friday, June 30, the High Court issued conservatory orders suspending the implementation of the Finance Act, 2023.
While delivering the ruling, Judge Mugure Thande noted that the suspension will stay in place until a case filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah is heard and determined.
Omtatah had filed a petition arguing that the Finance Act violated the right to equality, the right to property, and the right to a fair hearing.
