Imenti North MP, Rahim Dawood, joined matatu operators and residents in a peaceful demonstration on Monday in Meru Town to protest the soaring cost of fuel, calling for urgent parliamentary intervention to cushion Kenyans from the rising economic burden.
The MP marched alongside demonstrators from Meru town stage to Makutano and urged protesters to remain peaceful throughout the demonstrations.
Speaking during the protest, Dawood said Parliament should convene a special sitting to deliberate on reducing fuel-related taxes, including scrapping the remaining 8 percent VAT on fuel and suspending the Sh25 road maintenance levy for at least three months.
“I agree that as Parliament we should have a special sitting so that we may discuss reducing the remaining 8 percent VAT on fuel to zero and also reduce the Sh25 road maintenance levy to zero for at least three months,” said Dawood.
The legislator acknowledged that removing the taxes would negatively affect infrastructure bonds and securitization programs but maintained that the country was currently facing an emergency situation that required immediate action.
“We are aware that reducing these charges to zero will make it difficult for infrastructure bonds and securitization, but we have no option because we are in an emergency,” he said.
Dawood further stated that he was ready to support any special parliamentary sitting called by either the Majority Leader or Minority Leader to discuss the escalating fuel prices and measures to ease the cost of living for Kenyans.
“If we are called for a special sitting to discuss the high fuel prices, I will make my contribution in Parliament so that these taxes can be reduced and Kenyans get relief,” he added.
However, tension briefly erupted during the address after a section of demonstrators attempted to attack the MP before security officers and organizers intervened. Dawood escaped the incident unhurt as the demonstrations continued.