President Uhuru Kenyatta’s State House office on Wednesday issued a statement expressing disappointment over a court ruling that quashed the president’s edict on the fresh vetting of government officials.
State House lamented that the ruling was giving impetus for corruption to thrive.
The High Court had just issued a ruling suspending the president’s order temporarily while a decision is made on a petition filed by activist Okiya Omtatah.
While making the ruling, Justice Onesmus Makau stated: "There are genuine issues that touch on the affected officers which must be canvassed before this court."
[caption caption="File image of Justice Onesmus Makau"]
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He added: "Pending the inter parties hearing and determination of the application, the respondents are here prohibited from implementing the circular."
According to Omtatah, a circular issued by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua failed to outline the wrong committed by the finance executives to justify the stern action.
Justice Makau further observed that the deadline given to the procurement officers and accounting heads was too short for them to furnish the vetting panel with the documents needed.
The circular from Mr Kinyua had directed the suspended official to submit personal information including their assets, liabilities and previous record of service.
Justice Makau directed that orders be served to the Public Service Commission and the Attorney General to enable them file and serve their responses by June 11, 2018.
President Kenyatta, during his Madaraka Day address to the public, explained that the finance department officials would be taken through a mandatory lie detector test in a fresh fight against corruption.
