Okiya Omtatah has asked Court to Jail EPRA boss for six months for increasing fuel prices.
The Senator has informed Court that he begged the boss on WhatsApp not to violate the court orders by altering the prices but none of his pleas was admitted.
Senator Omtatah now wants EPRA Managing Director, David Bargoria committed to a six-month civil jail term, for failing to comply with a court order stopping him from effecting new pump prices after the Judiciary suspended the contentious Finance bill of 2023.
Omtatah wants Bargoria arrested and sentenced for failing to comply with a court order issued on 30th June by Justice Mugure Thande which suspended the implementation of Ruto’s Finance Act, until a case he had filed is heard and determined.
Further, Omtata accused the EPRA boss of ignoring the court order despite being physically served on WhatsApp and email with the same on Monday, 3rd July. Omtatah says he texted Bargoria on WhatsApp begging him not to defy court orders.
“By WhatsApp and by email (info@epra.go.ke), on the same day, the 1st Petitioner also served the orders on Mr. Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, the Managing Director of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and even engaged him on a WhatsApp chat over the same, pleading with him not to disobey them. During the chat, the 1st Petitioner used his mobile phone number. By email, the 1st Petitioner, Okiya Omtatah Okoiti, served an electronic copy of the orders on all respondents and interested parties immediately they were issued,” stated Omtatah.
The senator has accused Bargoria of criminal contempt saying that his application is extremely urgent.
The Busia Senator added that it was a matter of public record that (EPRA), has hiked the prices of petroleum products in contemptuous defiance of the conservatory orders issued by Judge Thande
He further wants the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury, the AG and the speaker of the National Assembly denied audience in Court until and unless they purge the contempt by ensuring that Bargoria complies fully with the valid orders issued, by reverting the fuel pump prices to where they were when the Court Orders were made.
High Court Judge Thande directed the implementation of the law to be put on hold, slamming the breaks Ruto’s plan to raise additional funds through new taxes.
Omtatah had challenged the legality of the Bill, saying that it contravened the law since it was being led by the President.
