This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has kicked off a process to lock out lawyer Members of Parliament and other State officers from engaging in private practice, citing a 'profound conflict of interest.'
Addressing the nation during Jamhuri Day celebrations, Uhuru said it was not fair for lawmakers who have control over funds and exercise oversight over the Judiciary to appear in courts as counsel, as it would be intimidating to judicial officers handling the matters.
“Is it fair and right for legislators who have control over funds and exercise oversight over the Judiciary to appear in courts as counsel? Is it fair on the judicial officer hearing the case or the other parties that, one party in the case is represented by persons who can literally change the law applicable to the dispute, control the career progression of the judge or magistrate or are able to speak with the voice of an entire arm of Government?” posed Uhuru.
He added that it was like a teacher having one foot in the classroom and the other in parliament, and that public officers should choose to either serve the public in their assigned role or as private practitioners.
Uhuru also directed the Attorney General to prepare the Conflict of Interest Bill for Cabinet approval before submission to Parliament, aimed at barring all State officers from using their public office as a platform to advance other personal interests.
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