‘Court’s decision on Housing Levy strengthens my faith in the rule of law’ – Kalonzo
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed in the Judiciary after the recent ruling on the Housing Levy.
In a statement shared via his official X account, the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya co-principal noted that the decision by the Court of Appeal to declare the Housing Levy unconstitutional has strengthened his faith in the rule of law,
He underscored that the program was imposing a heavy burden on already overburdened Kenyans who are struggling to cope with the harsh economic times.
The Wiper Party leader also asked the government to refund all deductions made since the implementation of the program.
“The Court of Appeal judgment ruling the Housing Levy unconstitutional strengthens my faith in the rule of law. This Slash Fund has imposed a burden on already overburdened Kenyans. I expect the illegal deduction to be refunded immediately,” the politician said.
The Court of Appeal on Friday suspended the Housing Levy terming it unconstitutional.
In a ruling delivered by Justices Lydia Achode, John Mativo and Mwaniki Gachoka, the court stated that the program will remain suspended until an ongoing appeal on the matter is heard and determined.
“In our view, public interest lies in awaiting the determination of the appeal. This is because if the stay sought is granted at this stage, should the appellate court affirm the impugned decision, then some far-reaching decisions that will have been undertaken pursuant to the impugned laws may not be reversible,
“…we direct that the appeals be heard expeditiously so that the issues raised in the appeals can be resolved with finality,” the judges ruled.
After the ruling, the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) issued an advisory to all employers asking them to stop deducting the Housing Levy from the payslips of salaried workers.
In their statement on Friday, January 26, 2024, FKE CEO Jacqueline Mugo said the directive was informed by the appellate court’s decision to halt the deductions.
“In light of the court order, we advise our members not to deduct the levy unless the Court of Appeal rules otherwise after the hearing of the substantive appeal or in the alternative, should the government challenge the said ruling in the Supreme Court, the said court reverses the ruling made today,” Mugo noted.