LSK President Declines Appointment to Ruto's Debt Taskforce

President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Faith Odhiambo has turned down an appointment to the recently established Presidential Taskforce on the forensic audit of public debt.

This decision follows President William Ruto's announcement of the task force which aims to examine Kenya's growing debt burden. The LSK, through a statement issued by CEO and Secretary Florence Muturi, has expressed concerns about the constitutionality of the task force. The society argues that the responsibility for auditing public debt lies exclusively with the Auditor-General as outlined in Article 229 of the Kenyan Constitution. The creation of this Presidential Debt Audit Taskforce is viewed by the LSK as an encroachment on these constitutional provisions.

"It is our considered view that the establishment of the task force is unconstitutional. The mandate to audit public debt rests with the office of the Auditor-General," said LSK Secretary Florence Muturi.

The Law Society of Kenya has taken a firm position on this matter affirming that President Faith Odhiambo and other LSK members will not participate in the task force. They resolve to allow the Auditor-General to fulfil her constitutional duties without external interference. Kenyan youth, who face limited opportunities and economic hardships, are closely monitoring decisions related to public debt. They are seeking transparent, accountable, and sustainable solutions to the country's financial situation. The LSK's stance on the task force appointment resonates with these concerns and emphasizes the need for responsible governance.

"The LSK, under its statutory mandate, advises the President to refrain from usurping the Constitutional powers of the Auditor-General through Executive Orders and allow the Auditor-General to perform her constitutional duties" the statement reads in part.

The debt situation also has implications for Kenya's international relations with investors, lenders, and development partners keenly observing how the country manages its financial obligations. The Chairperson of the Presidential Council of Economic Advisors David Ndii on Saturday addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the formation of the public debt audit task force. Ndii took to his X account to defend the President's decision, explaining that the task force's main purpose is to identify any discrepancies or oversights in previous debt audits conducted on Kenya's finances.

Despite acknowledging that the creation of this task force falls outside the established legal framework, Ndii emphasizes the necessity of the 8-member committee to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the nation's escalating debt situation. In his statement, Ndii seeks to allay concerns about potential conflicts with existing governmental roles. He assures the public that the establishment of this task force would not encroach upon or diminish the Auditor General's mandate to verify public debts.

Furthermore, Ndii explains that the task force's responsibilities would extend beyond mere auditing as it would also provide valuable guidance on improving the public financial management system.