Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has rejected her appointment by William Ruto to the presidential taskforce on addressing human resources in the health sector.
In a statement on July 8, Wamae, said she made the decision after careful consideration.
She thanked President Ruto for appointing her to the taskforce but rejected the offer, stating that she is currently on maternity leave and is therefore unable to deliver as required.
“Thank you, Mr. President William Samoei Ruto, for recognizing my strength, capacity, and ability, and subsequently appointing me to serve in the presidential taskforce on addressing human resources for health vide gazette notice no. 8437, executive order no. 5 of 2024, dated 5th July 2024,” Wamae said.
“However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer given that I’m currently on maternity leave, and this development would affect my ability to work effectively at this time.”
Faith Odhiambo Rejects Appointment
This came a day after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo also rejected an appointment to a taskforce formed to carry out a comprehensive audit of the country’s public debt.
LSK issued a statement announcing that Odhiambo rejected Ruto’s appointment, stating that the presidential task force is unconstitutional and infringes on the roles of the Auditor General.
“The LSK has thus resolved that neither our president nor any of our members shall take up appointments or participate in the said taskforce,” read the statement.
“LSK, under its statutory mandate, advises the President to refrain from usurping the constitutional powers of the Auditor-General through Executive Orders and allow the Auditor-General to perform her constitutional duties.”
Also Read: LSK Rejects Faith Odhiambo Appointment to Debt Taskforce, Gives Reason
According to the statement, the Auditor-General is mandated to audit public debt within six months after the end of each financial year.
“Taking cognizance of the provisions of Article 229 of the constitution and the interpretation of the said provisions by the court, it is our considered view that the establishment of the taskforce is unconstitutional. The mandate to audit public debt rests with the office of the Auditor-General,” LSK said.
Furthermore, LSK said the Office on Public Debt Management, headed by a Director-General at the Treasury, should provide details of public debt to the Auditor-General for forensic audit.
The Society argued that it is essential not to squander scarce public resources by appointing a presidential taskforce to perform the duties of existing public offices.
Also Read: Blow to Ruto as High Court Rules on Public Debt Taskforce
Ruto Announces Forensic Debt Taskforce
President Ruto appointed an independent task force to carry out a public debt audit during his State of the Nation address on Friday, July 5.
Ruto said the team will audit the accounts of the national and county governments, all courts, every Commission and independent office established by the Constitution, the National Assembly, the Senate, the county assemblies, and the accounts of political parties funded by public funds.
“I have today appointed an independent task force to carry out a comprehensive forensic audit of public debt and report to us in the next three months,” he said.
He explained that the audit will provide people with clarity on the nature of the country’s debt, how public resources have been spent, and proposals for managing public resources in a sustainable manner that does not burden future generations.
High Court Suspends Ruto’s Taskforce
On Monday, July 8, the High Court suspended the presidential taskforce on the forensic audit of public debt pending the determination of the petition.
Justice Mugambi barred members appointed to the task force from discharging any function pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
The case was filed by Nakuru doctor Gikenyi Magare and activist Eliud Matindi and will be mentioned on July 23.
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