Exempt fuel from VAT! Maraga weighs in on matatu strike chaos

Exempt all fuel products from VAT, former Chief Justice David Maraga has said, as Kenya grapples with a nationwide matatu strike that has paralysed transport and left thousands of commuters stranded.

In a statement shared on Monday, Maraga said the government should also temporarily remove all fuel levies to help stabilise fuel prices.

His remarks come as commuters across the country continue to face major disruption following the strike, which has grounded public transport in several towns and cities.

In its latest review, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased the price of Super Petrol by Sh16 to Sh214.25, while Diesel rose by Sh46 to Sh242.92.

Maraga, who served as Chief Justice of Kenya, said urgent fiscal intervention was needed to cushion Kenyans from rising fuel costs that have triggered widespread economic strain.

He expressed solidarity with citizens bearing the brunt of the crisis, saying the situation reflected deeper governance failures.

“I wish to express my solidarity with Kenyans who have to bear the burden of bad governance that has led to the paralysis of the transport sector today,” he said.

While acknowledging that global geopolitical tensions have contributed to fuel instability, Maraga said governments must act decisively to protect citizens from economic shock.

“While we acknowledge that the fuel crisis is a direct result of the war against Iran, every responsible government is taking steps to cushion their citizens from the high cost of living,” he added.

He further called on Parliament to urgently reconvene and re-evaluate fuel taxation and public spending priorities.

“As a first step, Parliament should convene immediately to exempt all fuel products from VAT, temporarily remove all fuel levies to stabilise the fuel prices, and redirect more resources being squandered through budgeted corruption to alleviate the energy crisis,” he said.

He added: “Let us join hands to liberate this country.”

The remarks come as Kenya continues to experience widespread transport disruption following a nationwide matatu strike linked to rising fuel prices, with thousands of commuters forced to walk to work and businesses reporting delays and losses.