LSK forms committee to safeguard Constitution from violation by the Executive

Nairobi, Kenya: The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has formed a Committee on Protection and Ideal Implementation of the Constitution.

LSK President Mr. Eric Mutua said that the Council of LSK resolved to form the Committee over increasing concerns on the state of the Rule of Law sound implementation of the Constitution.

“The Executive arm of Government has demonstrated uncontrolled appetite towards violation of the Constitution and disregard to judicial pronouncements,” Mr. Mutua said.

He said that Members of Parliament have at times passed or attempted to pass legislation that is glaringly unconstitutional and have pursued their oversight role with mala fide (bad faith).

“Judicial transformation seems to have stalled due to infightings and partisan interests at the Judiciary and runaway corruption is prevalent in public expenditure.” Mr. Mutua said.

Mr. Mutua said that the above and current state of affairs has led to a near breakdown of law and order.

“If unchecked the current trend is likely to erode the gains that the country has achieved in constitutional and legal reforms,” Mr. Mutua said.

He said that the Council of LSK – informed by the current unfortunate landscape- resolved to establish a Committee whose mandate is to promote constitutionalism and pursue a momentous implementation of the constitution.

Mr. Mutua said that Senior Counsel Dr. Gibson Kamau Kuria shall Convene the 35 member Committee with Prof. PLO Lumumba as the Co-Convenor.

Other members include Senior Counsel Lee Muthoga, Nzamba Kitonga, Paul Muite and Ahmednasir Abdullahi.

Dr. John Khaminwa, Gitobu Imanyara, Prof. Ben Sihanya, Apollo Mboya, Judy Thongori, Wachira Maina, Njonjo Mue, Harun Ndubi, George Kegoro and Elisha Ongoya are in the Committee.

Fida Kenya Chairperson Dr. Ruth Aura, Kituo Cha Sheria Executive Director Gertrude Angote, Harrison Kinyanjui, Kethi Kilonzo, Maurice Kimuli, Mbugua Muriithi and Simiyu Kuloba are also members.

Jennifer Shamalla, Caroline Khasoa, Ben Mosota Julie Soweto, Anthony Oluoch, Vincent Lempaa, Rose Mbanya, Michael Sangoro, Waikwa Wanyoike, Omwanza Ombati, Mosoni Apale and Mercy Ngugi are also in the Committee.