LSK criticises Matiang'i on Huduma Namba deadline

The Law Society of Kenya has criticised the national government for setting a deadline for Huduma Namba registration.

In a statement on Friday, LSK president Allen Gichuhi said according to court orders, registration is not mandatory.

“The government should not force anyone to acquire the number. No one should be denied any government services for failing to register,” he said.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i set the deadline on Saturday, pushing Kenyans to rush to register.

Winding lines were pictured at Huduma Centres and litsed registration spots.

But Gichuhi said the deadline is misleading.

He said the CS ignored the court’s order on ultimatums regarding Huduma Namba registration.

LSK was enjoined in a case filed by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission and two others challenging the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2018 which introduced Huduma Namba.

Judges Mumbi Ngugi, Pauline Nyamweya and Weldon Korir said registration is voluntary.

Meanwhile, LSK also criticized the government for ignoring the court on the Housing Levy.

An order issued on April 16 ordered employers to deduct 1.5% of salaries to be channeled to the housing levy starting May.

“The court, in a ruling delivered on April 29 by Justice James Makau, granted conservatory and injunction orders prohibiting the respondents from effecting the housing levy pending the hearing and determination of the case in court,” Gichuhi said.

The court set the hearing date for June 25.

“It is illegal, improper and an affront to the Constitution for the ministry to purport to effect payment of said levy in the prevailing circumstances.”