LSK President Refuses Ruto’s Public Debt Taskforce Appointment

LSK President Faith Odhiambo

LSK President Rejects Ruto’s Appointment to Public Debt Taskforce

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo has refused President William Ruto‘s appointment to an independent task force tasked with auditing Kenya’s public debt.

LSK’s Constitutional Concerns

In a statement issued by LSK Secretary Florence Muturi, the society criticized the appointment, stating it is unconstitutional. According to LSK, auditing public debt falls under the purview of the Auditor General, not ad hoc task forces.

Auditor General’s Mandate

LSK highlighted that by law, the Auditor General is mandated to audit public debt annually within six months after the financial year ends. This includes audits of national and county governments, commissions, and political parties funded by public money.

Role of Public Debt Management Office

Additionally, the Office on Public Debt Management, funded by public funds and led by a Director-General at the Treasury, is responsible for providing debt details to the Auditor General for forensic audit.

Constitutional Concerns Raised

LSK emphasized that the President should respect constitutional provisions and refrain from bypassing established offices. The society asserted its stance against members participating in the task force appointed by executive order.

LSK’s Official Stand

“The Council of the Law Society of Kenya has resolved that neither our president nor any members shall accept appointments or engage in the said taskforce,” LSK stated. It called on the President to respect the Auditor General’s constitutional mandate.

Ruto’s Appointments and Taskforce Details

President Ruto had appointed a four-member team to audit the public debt, chaired by Nancy Onyango and deputized by Professor Luis Franceschi. Other members include Shammah Kiteme, Vincent Kimosop, and Philip Kaikai.

Conclusion

LSK’s rejection of Ruto’s appointment underscores ongoing constitutional concerns regarding the separation of powers and the proper execution of governmental functions. The society’s stance aims to uphold the integrity of constitutional offices and ensure transparent and accountable governance in Kenya.