Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo Urges Recall of Parliament Over Rising Fuel Taxes
Elisha Odhiambo has called for the urgent recall of Parliament to review fuel taxes as rising fuel prices trigger nationwide matatu strikes and increased transport fares.
𝗚𝗲𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮 𝗢𝗱𝗵𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼. phopto/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Elisha Odhiambo has called on the Speaker of the National Assembly to urgently recall Parliament to review fuel taxation measures amid rising pressure on Kenyans struggling with the high cost of living.
The legislator said Parliament must revisit the Value Added Tax (VAT) and other levies imposed on petroleum products, arguing that the taxes have significantly contributed to the soaring fuel prices currently affecting households and businesses across the country.
Odhiambo criticised the planned nationwide strike by transport operators, saying their grievances should instead be directed to Parliament, which enacted the taxation laws.
“It is Parliament that enacted those laws that increased taxes,” he said.
The Gem MP also appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful and united, noting that the fuel crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and calm engagement.
Meanwhile, public transport operations in Siaya County were paralysed on Tuesday morning after matatu operators joined a nationwide two-day strike over the escalating fuel costs and taxation burden.
Officials from the Siaya Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Union said operators had been pushed to the brink by the high cost of fuel, forcing them to increase fares in order to remain operational.
According to the union’s Secretary-General Hillary Omondi, passengers travelling from Siaya to Nairobi will now pay KSh1,500, up from KSh1,000. Fares from Siaya to Nyadorera and Ugunja have risen from KSh150 to KSh200, while the Siaya–Kodiaga route now costs KSh250.
Union chairman Gabriel Otieno added that fares between Siaya and Kisumu have increased from KSh300 to KSh400.
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