Bill could have been triggered by lawyer MPs Murkomen, Mutula and Maanzo frenzied efforts to defend Nairobi Governor Sonko corruption saga – COUNTY DIARY Editor
MPs practicing as lawyers are facing a major hurdle ahead if a proposed law seeking to stop them from moonlighting comes into force, COUNTY DIARY has established.
PHOTO/Elgeyo Marakwet Lawyer and firebrand Senator Kipchumba Murkomen
The elected leaders, who have been mainly appearing in court to represent prominent personalities, are said to be banking on their colleagues who they claim may need legal assistance in future, to save them from passing the proposed Bill on conflict of interest.
The Bill, prepared by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) seeks to ensure that the integrity of public officials in decision-making is not compromised by public officials’ private interests.
It is aimed at strengthening the State powers to fight corruption by proposing jail terms and Sh5 million fine for officers who do not disclose any conflict of interest.
PHOTO/Makueni Legislator and Lawyer Daniel Kitonga Maanzo
President Kenyatta directed the Attorney General Kihara Kariuki to fast-track the submission to Cabinet for approval and transmission to Parliament the Law on Conflict of Interest that has been subject to stakeholders’ consultation.
GRAPHICS/ The dramatic Sonko arrest/ PATRICK KIMANZI/ COUNTY DIARY
Uhuru’s directive was triggered by Senate Leader of Majority Kipchumba Murkomen, his Makueni counterpart Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo’s decision to represent Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who is facing graft charges over the alleged loss of Sh357 million belonging to the county government.
It has become a common occurrence for Senators who are also lawyers to run to court in defense of public or State officers even as they are mandated to protect the taxpayers’ money from being misappropriated.
