Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge has responded to growing calls to withdraw all currency bearing the portraits of individuals.
At a press conference on Tuesday, he stated: "We are in the process of having the new generation currency but in accordance with the constitution."
Human Rights activist Okiya Omtatah had written to Dr Njoroge on Thursday, September 14th, issuing the Central Bank with a seven-day ultimatum to begin withdrawing all unconstitutional currency.
Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke today, Mr Omtatah dismissed the Governor's response stating that the efforts to keep the old currency in circulation were purely political and meant to protect "the Kenyatta hegemony".
Mr Omtatah further claimed to have the new designs for the currency which he alleges the Government is intentionally holding back.
He stated that the approved designs in his possession show the portraits of the late President on the Sh50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 notes replaced with a bufallo, leopard, rhino, lion and elephant respectively.
Omtatah has promised to institute legal proceedings against the Central Bank as soon as the seven-day ultimatum lapses. He has called for the Central Bank to issue timelines for the phasing-out of the current design.
Article 231(4) of the Constitution outlawed currency bearing portraits and images of individuals. Currency currently in circulation, however, still bears features such as the portraits of former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki.
In his letter on Thursday, Mr Omtatah had stated: “Kindly note that failure on your part to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution as required will necessitate our recourse at the Rights division of the High Court of Kenya for orders compelling your compliance.”
The Government estimates that it will cost Sh18 Billion to withdraw all currency currently in circulation.
