Lawyer threatens to sue Marsabit municipality over parking fees

By Nyabande Orwa

Marsabit-based lawyer John Behailu has threatened to take legal action against the Marsabit Municipality over the introduction of parking fees, arguing that the process did not comply with the law.

Speaking to journalists at his office, Behailu claimed that the municipality failed to follow the required legal procedures before rolling out the parking fee collection exercise.

He told Radio Jangwani that while there is nothing wrong with the municipality raising revenue through parking charges, the laws governing the introduction of such fees should have been strictly followed, including approval by the County Assembly and meaningful public participation.

Behailu further argued that the county government lacks adequate parking spaces, saying sufficient preparations should have been made before implementing the charges.

He noted that although efforts to improve order and reorganize the town are commendable, he opposes the manner in which the initiative is being implemented, maintaining that it was not anchored in law and that residents were not adequately consulted.

The lawyer said he has given the municipality a few days to suspend the exercise, warning that he will file a court case next week seeking orders to halt the implementation of the parking fees if no action is taken.