Kenya Kwanza government suffered a major blow after Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo declined to be a member in the presidential task force on forensic audit of public debts.
The lawyers said the task force was illegal and Odhiambo will not be party to the newly gazetted presidential task force. The body explained that the function of auditing public debt is reserved for the office of the Auditor-General, as stipulated by law.
They described the task force “unconstitutional”, referencing Article 229 of the Constitution. “The Council of LSK has thus resolved that neither our president nor any members shall take up positions or participate in the said taskforce,” the Society’s Chief Executive Florence Muturi said.
“Taking cognisance of the provisions of article 229 of the Constitution, and interpretation of said provisions by the court, it is our considered view that the said task force is unconstitutional.
The lawyers described formation of the task force as a waste of public resources, as there are already offices with similar functions. President William Ruto gazetted the eight-member team yesterday, appointing Nancy Gitonga as its chairperson.
The President has appointed Ms Onyango as the chairperson and Luis Franceschi as the vice chairperson. Others appointed are LSK President Ms Odhiambo, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) Philip Kaikai, Institute of Engineers of Abraham Rugo and Aaron Thegeya were appointed as joint secretaries.