This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
On July 24, 2019, Chief Justice David Maraga called for dialogue between governors, senators, and MPs to resolve the revenue bill crisis, stating that the Supreme Court would only intervene if talks failed.
According to Maraga, the Division of Revenue Bill is a legislative process that should be carried out by the two houses of parliament, and not the courts. He emphasized that the Supreme Court is reluctant to intervene, but would do so if a solution is not reached.
Justice Maraga made these remarks after a meeting with other judges at the Supreme Court. He pointed out that if a solution is not reached, the apex court will come in and unlock the impasse.
Meanwhile, Sheriffsam Mwendwa, the lawyer representing the National Assembly, informed the Appeal Court that another Revenue Allocation Bill has been published and is expected to sort out the current standoff. Mwendwa stated that by tomorrow, a solution could be realized since the Assembly has already adopted the new bill and the public is welcome to give its views.
On the other hand, the Senate, through lawyer Wangechi Thanji, informed Justice Maraga that there have been long but unfruitful discussions with the National Assembly. Thanji stated that the Senate is willing to continue with discussions, but if they do not bear fruits, the matter will proceed.
Senior lawyer Fred Ngatia, representing the Governors, argued that the case should proceed without further discussions, citing underlying issues affecting counties that need the court's intervention. Ngatia accused the National Assembly of ignoring the Senate while passing the bill.
