Written By Lisa Murimi
Motorists seeking relief from a planned hike in the road maintenance levy were dealt a blow after a key legal challenge was unexpectedly withdrawn.
George Odhiambo, who had filed a petition at the High Court in Mombasa challenging the levy increase, withdrew the case on Thursday, without providing any reasons for his decision.
Justice Gregory Mutai approved the withdrawal after the respondents in the case did not oppose Odhiambo’s request.
“The court endorses the withdrawal. Consequently, the petition is hereby marked as withdrawn with no orders as to costs,” Justice Mutai announced, directing that the case file be closed.
Odhiambo’s petition had temporarily halted the government’s decision to raise the road maintenance levy from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per liter of fuel.
The court had issued a conservatory order suspending the increase, citing concerns over inadequate public participation.
The withdrawal of the case comes just a week after matatu operators across the country threatened to stage protests against the levy hike.
However, the operators later withdrew their notice, claiming the government had agreed to address their concerns.
With the petition now dismissed, the future of the road maintenance levy hike remains uncertain.
