Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has blamed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro for the current high fuel prices, accusing him of supporting increased taxes on petroleum products while serving as chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Speaking on Wednesday amid growing public anger over the rising cost of fuel, Cherargei criticised Nyoro’s recent calls for Parliament to intervene and lower fuel prices, saying the Kiharu MP was partly responsible for the current tax measures affecting motorists and businesses.
“Nimeona wenzangu ambao walikuwa hata chairman in 2023/2024… hao ndio walisukuma VAT on petroleum products from 8% to 16%. Sasa unashangaa wamekuwa werevu wanaandikia Bunge ati irudi ijadili,” said Cherargei.
“They are also trying to fight the government but they are using the wrong tactics. Saa hii hana uwezo; wakati huo alikuwa na uwezo lakini aliharibu. Sababu alikuwa mwenyekiti, angesema tusiweke, hatungeweka. Alisema ako na akili mingi akasema tuweke 16% ndio maana Wakenya wanaskia uchungu hadi sasa,”he added.
The senator dismissed Nyoro’s proposal for a special sitting of the National Assembly to debate fuel prices, terming it a political move meant to win public sympathy.
According to Cherargei, only parliamentary leadership has the authority to call a special sitting of the House.
“Articles 209 and 210 of the Constitution say that only Parliament has the power to impose taxes on anything in this country,” he stated.
“The only person with the power to call for a special sitting or ask the Speaker to call for that sitting is the Majority and the Minority leader. Sasa hana uwezo yoyote, sasa anafurahisha watu through public gallery ndio waonekane wazuri,”he noted.
Despite criticising Nyoro, Cherargei supported proposals aimed at reducing the burden on consumers, including lowering taxes charged on fuel products because of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
“If it is possible, because of the Middle East problem, I think we should relook at the VAT, which is now at 8%, so that we have it at zero VAT on petroleum products so that the price comes down,” he said.
“We should also reduce the Road Maintenance Levy Fund so that we lower it from Ksh.107 to Ksh.50 per litre and I think it will bring it down,”he said.
At the same time, the senator defended some of the levies imposed on fuel, arguing that the collections are helping fund road construction and maintenance projects across the country.
“Most of the high taxes you are currently seeing of Ksh.117 go to road maintenance, as fuel levy, and that is why you are seeing most roads are being repaired and there are currently no potholes. It is also being used to build roads through the Fuel Levy Fund,” he noted.
Cherargei also challenged public transport operators to reduce fares if fuel prices eventually go down, while calling for stricter regulation of the transport sector and the return of the Michuki rules.
“As the transporters are saying that the fuel prices should go down, let them also reduce fares, maintain their vehicles and comply with traffic rules,” he said.
“We want all transport sector vehicles audited, especially our matatus. Let’s use this opportunity to bring back the Michuki rules so that we can bring order on our roads and to ensure that Kenyans are safe as they use road transport, “he added .
The remarks come days after Nyoro wrote to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula seeking the urgent recall of Parliament from recess to deliberate on proposals aimed at reducing fuel prices.
In his proposal, the Kiharu MP suggested reducing VAT on petroleum products from 8 per cent to zero and cutting the Road Maintenance Levy Fund by Ksh.7 in a bid to lower the prices of petrol and diesel and ease pressure on Kenyans struggling with the rising cost of living.
