Court Halts Ruto’s Finance Bill

Friday, June 30, 2023 -High Court has today Friday June 30 suspended William Ruto’s Finance Bill of 2023.

Judge Mugure Thande, during the ruling, issued conservatory orders suspending the implementation of the controversial Acts in the Bill.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who filed the petition on behalf of unsatisfied citizens, urged the court to suspend the tax hikes pending the hearing and determination of his application.

Senator Omtatah’s prayer to bar Ruto from enacting the Finance Act 2023 was also granted.

“I am satisfied that the Application meets the test for conservatory orders and I do grant prayers 2 and 3 of the Application until July, 5 when the matter is scheduled for mention for directions.

“Pending the hearing and determination of the application and/or the Petition, the Honourable Court be pleased to issue a conservatory order suspending the Finance Act, 2023,” read part of the ruling.

Justice Thande ordered the petitioner to serve all parties including Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u before end of the day, Friday, June 30, 2023.

On the same note, she also ordered the respondents to file their responses by Tuesday, July 4, after which the High Court will enlist a hearing date and venue.

This comes as a big blow to the President’s plan to put in practice the contents of the Bill.