This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
On August 7, 2019, activist Okiya Omtatah filed a lawsuit against Attorney-General Paul Kihara Kariuki, questioning the validity of new currency introduced in Kenya.
The new currency, which includes new coins and notes, was introduced on June 1, 2019, and the old Sh1,000 note was set to be withdrawn by October 1, 2019.
Omtatah claims that the Attorney-General unlawfully withdrew three legal notices that paved the way for the introduction of the new currency.
The notices, published on December 7, 2018, and May 31, 2019, described the new coins, notes, and announced the withdrawal of the old Sh1,000 note.
Omtatah argues that the Attorney-General abused his office by withdrawing the notices, as he had no powers to determine whether they were statutory instruments.
The activist also claims that the three disputed gazette notices were never tabled before the National Assembly, discussed, and approved.
“Power must be exercised in a transparent way which is evident for all to see. The AG must explain the reasons why he considered that the three notices are not statutory instruments,” says Mr Omtatah.
