Editor's Review

The high court has temporarily suspended the Presidential task force on the forensic audit of public debt.

The high court has issued an interim order temporarily suspending the Presidential task force on the forensic audit of public debt.

Justice Mugambi issued the order on Monday, July 8 following a petition filed by Magare Gikenyi, a Nakuru-based doctor.

“Pending the hearing and determination of this Application, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the Executive Order No. 4 and/or Gazette Notice No. 8261 Vol. CXXVI-No 97 dated 5th July 2024 published for the establishing the presidential task force on forensic audit of public debt, ” read the order in part.

Justice Mugambi barred members appointed to the task force from discharging any function pending the hearing and determination of the petition.

“Pending the hearing and determination of this application, an interim order be and is hereby issued prohibiting the Respondents, either by themselves themselves anyone else acting at their behest, instructions directions or any other person whosoever, from discharging any function pursuant to duty pursuant to executive order no. 4 and/or gazette notice no. 6261 vol. cxxvi-no. 97 5th July 2024 establishing the Presidential task force on the forensic audit of public debt,” the High Court judge stated.

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The case will be mentioned on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

File image of President William Ruto. 

On Friday, July 5, President William Ruto constituted the Presidential Task Force to conduct a forensic audit of the public debt.

Ruto appointed Nancy Onyango as the chairperson of the task force assisted by Luis Franceschi.

Members of the team include; Philip Kaikai, LSK President Faith Odhiambo, Institute of Engineers of Kenya President Shammah Kiteme, and Vincent Kimosop. Abraham Rugo and Aaron Thegeya will serve as the joint secretaries of the task force.

However, Odhiambo rejected the appointment and termed the move by President Ruto to constitute the team as unconstitutional.

"It is our considered view that the establishment of the task force is unconstitutional. The mandate to audit public debt rests with the office of the Auditor-General," LSK stated.