This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's warning to legislators who represent accused persons in court has left many wondering about the future of Senator Kipchumba Murkomen's role in representing Governor Mike Sonko.
On December 12, 2019, at Nyayo Stadium, President Kenyatta issued a stern warning to legislators who have in earlier instances represented accused persons in court.
According to the President, elected leaders have a conflict of interest when they represent accused persons in court, as it can lead to laws being made and used unjustly.
Senators Kipchumba Murkomen, Mutula Kilonzo Junior, and James Orengo have in the past represented people accused of corruption.
President Kenyatta described the representation of accused people by legislators as a way of intimidating judicial officers to issue judgements that favour their clients.
He further stated that the presence of parliamentarians can lead to a lack of authority of the judges issuing the orders, which may result in judgements that lack the authority needed.
President Kenyatta directed Attorney General Kihara Kariuki to draft a law to fill the loophole exploited by politicians, which will aid in defining when a conflict of interest happens.
