This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
On Jamhuri Day, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the issue of moonlighting state and public officers, stating that it undermines the constitution by serving two masters.
“State and public officers are not above law. Our constitutional order is a jealous one; it demands that state and public officers serve no other master but it,” he said during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Nyayo stadium on Thursday.
The president pointed out parliamentarians and senators who pose as lawyers defending suspects in the courts, accusing them of engaging in conflict of interest.
“One cannot serve as a legislator at the National or County Level while at the same time practicing law, whether or not for gain,” he said.
His sentiment comes amidst a debate sparked by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and his Makueni counterpart Mutula Kilonzo Jr, who took to court to represent Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko in a graft case.
President Uhuru also extended his criticism to those serving in the teaching profession, stating that a teacher in the Public Service cannot have one foot in the classroom and the other in Parliament.
“A teacher in the Public Service cannot have one foot in the classroom and the other in Parliament,” he said.
The President directed Attorney General Paul Kariuki to submit to the Cabinet which will transmit to parliament the law on conflict of interest aimed at preventing state and public officials from moonlighting.
