The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been issued with a seven-day ultimatum to ensure the portrait of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta is removed from Kenyan currency.
In a letter received on Friday, CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge was instructed to adhere to the Central Bank Act of the Kenyan Constitution which makes it illegal to have the portrait of any individual on the face of the national currency.
The Act states that: "Notes and coins issued by the Central Bank of Kenya may bear images that depict or symbolise Kenya or an aspect of Kenya but shall not bear the portrait of any individual."
The letter by Activist Okiya Omtatah noted that the people of Kenya have been held hostage to comply with the selfish desires of a few elite persons.
"The CBK should not be held hostage to partisan causes when by dint of Article 231(3) of the Constitution, the Central Bank is autonomous and shall not be under the direction or control of any person or authority in the exercise of its powers," the letter read in part.
The activist asked Dr Njoroge to recall all currency in circulation bearing the portrait of Kenya's former presidents within seven days from September 15.
He further mandated the Bank to issue fresh notes and coins that do not bear the image of President Kenyatta, former President Daniel Moi and former President Mwai Kibaki.
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[caption caption="Letter to CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge on Kenyan currency"]
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