LSK President Faith Odhiambo Declines Ruto's Debt Taskforce Appointment

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and its President, Faith Odhiambo, have rejected President William Ruto's appointment to a presidential task force aimed at auditing the country's public debt. The LSK contends that the formation of this task force is unconstitutional, arguing that the mandate to audit public debt lies exclusively with the office of the Auditor-General, as stipulated by Article 229 of the Constitution.

The LSK emphasized that the establishment of the task force usurps the constitutional duties of the Auditor-General and constitutes a misuse of public resources, given that existing public offices already handle such audits. Citing a recent High Court ruling that confirmed the Auditor-General's authority to conduct forensic audits, the LSK called on President Ruto to allow the Auditor-General to perform her constitutionally mandated duties. The society has firmly stated that neither its President nor any member should participate in the task force, reinforcing their commitment to upholding constitutional principles.