ODM Distances Self From Parliament’s Housing Levy Appeal
The Orange Democratic Movement has disassociated itself from the joint appeal lodged by both chambers of Parliament aimed at overturning the court decision regarding the Housing Levy.
On Wednesday, the party clarified in a statement that its Parliamentary Group is not involved in the appeal aimed at challenging the Appellate court’s ruling deeming the levy unconstitutional.
The National Assembly and the Senate, represented by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, submitted a joint appeal.
“It should go on record that the ODM Parliamentary Group and by extension the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Parliamentary Group is not a party to the appeal in the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the Housing Levy. We stand with the people of Kenya on this matter,” ODM said.
In the announcement, Wetang’ula mentioned their intention to challenge the entire decision issued by Judges Lydia Achode, John Mativo, and Mwaniki Gachoka on January 26.
“The National Assembly and the speaker of the National Assembly being dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal intend to appeal to the Supreme Court against the whole ruling,” read the notice.
The judges at the appellate level mentioned that should they confirm the constitutional invalidity of the contested laws, certain significant decisions that might have been made could not be undone.
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In the recent Friday decision, judges Lydia Achode, John Mativo, and Paul Gachoka emphasized the importance of public interest and affirmed the High Court’s judgment that the housing levy was implemented without a proper legal structure.
“In our view, the public interest lies in awaiting the determination of the appeal,” the judges said in the ruling delivered last Friday.
On Wednesday, the government issued instructions for developers, contractors, suppliers, and workers to resume work on the Housing project, following a court decision that temporarily halted the implementation of the housing levy deduction.
Alice Wahome, the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, emphasized that the Affordable Housing Programme stands as a crucial government initiative and will proceed according to the established plan.
“The attention of the Ministry has been drawn to reports that there is concern among contractors participating in the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) about the viability of the project following the court ruling on the Housing Levy,” she said.
“The Ministry urges for calmness in the sector and encourages the developers, contractors, suppliers, and workers to carry on with their activities.”
ODM Distances Self From Parliament’s Housing Levy Appeal