Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has called for the arrest of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) directors who recently implemented the increase of fuel prices despite a court order.
Speaking at a church service in Nairobi, the politician, who is a close ally of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, demanded the EPRA bosses be held accountable for being in contempt of court.
“Every director who participated in the decision to increase fuel prices must be held accountable and imprisoned,” said Mr Maanzo.
Mr Maanzo further praised the Judiciary for standing with the people in a recent ruling on the Finance Bill 2023.
The High Court in Nairobi on June 30, 2023, temporarily stopped the implementation of the Finance Bill 2023 pending the hearing and determination of a lawsuit sponsored by Busia Senator Okiyah Omtatah
“They (EPRA directors) need to be arrested. I urge them to deliberate on this matter.”
The senator’s remarks brought the spotlight onto the issue of rising fuel prices, which has been a cause for concern for many Kenyans. The cost of fuel directly affects transportation, food prices, and overall living expenses, impacting the daily lives of ordinary citizens. As the cost of living continues to rise, demands for transparent and fair practices in fuel pricing have grown stronger.
EPRA revised pump prices upwards in the wake of the doubling of the value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products to 16 percent, going against a court order Friday suspending the Finance Act, 2023.
At an average Sh195 for petrol and Sh185 for diesel, Kenyans are now paying the highest pump prices in East Africa.
The fuel prices have been on an upward spiral despite the global prices significantly reducing in the past few months.
The high cost of petrol has meanwhile cost an increase in the prices of basic commodities including electricity, fare and food.
