LSK President Faith Odhiambo
- Add new comment
- 389 views
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.
Comments
To LSK,I would say that,apparently Dr.Ruto assembled this task force because the audit general had failed in its duty.It's well and good to throw around the defense of constitutionality to your learned comrades,but mwananchi wants results,whichever way its done.
Heck it was unconstitutional for Kenya to send police force to Haiti.What to do you say about that?
If I needed an emergency operation,I could careless how you bring the best surgeon. Constitutionality is only as good as 'the masses 'say it it.Otherwise they are mere words.How many times have we heard that there are enough laws on the books to curb down corruption,and yet it persists like unrestrained virus.Has the constitution failed,or are we employing"failed" staff?
Constitutional of unconstitutional, let have to job done. Can we do it or cann't we?.If not, let's seek outside help. No shame in that.
Surely give this job to one of the millions of people who graduated years ago and have no job prospects because they are from the wrong tribe or are not well connected.No person should hold more than one job we are way past the stage of “no thanks” when it comes to job appointments.The radical generation Z should keep Ruto in check or just get him out of office although that is easier said than done he has resorted to killing youth to keep his corrupt government in power
Ruto is a thief.
Ruto MUST GO.
His best friend US Ambassador Meg Whitman MUST GO too.
Meg Whitman is 3.3 Billion dollars (worth) and Very educated Harvard Business School business Woman who Cannot be Manipulated by KENYAns just like that. *I think she's just Being cautious in the Working environment She's in Right now.😇
She behaves like a thief.
She is always smilling around thieves and criminals.
They need to investigate her.
She cannot be trusted.
She is in denial. Trying to protect face on her political but naive activism. If she had accepted ( which I think is a noble cause) she would probably be shamed for her deliberate, delusional activism.
She’s a beholden slave of the peoples conman!!!!
She kept the Faith; like she Knew that Some money Matters can Put you in Trouble if You don't Stay away. *In a Blink😜of an Eye: Patrick Lumumba fell Victim to such an Allure (when He became "Corruption🙄Caesar" of KENYA).