Meru Senator Mithika Linturi warned President Uhuru Kenyatta not to test the resolve of politicians as he spelled doom on the head of state's directive on the Conflict of Interest Bill.
On Thursday, December 12, 2019, during Jamhuri Day celebrations, Kenyatta asked Attorney General Kihara Kariuki to fast track the law, which would fix the loophole exploited by elected politicians and state officers who represented accused persons in court.
Linturi, a lawyer by profession, while speaking to The Standard on December 18, dismissed the proposed law as it continues to elicit mixed reactions from politicians.
"Does it mean that when Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure appeared at the ICC there was no conflict of interest? I think the president is a master of doublespeak?.
"We are yet to see the bill, but we should be careful not to make laws for individuals but for posterity. In any case, you cannot tell a lawyer to close his practice, yet our position as MPs is contractual for a period of five years. We will oppose that seriously unless there are other provisions that provide for recovery for loss for non-practice," Linturi argued.
Jubilee Nominated Senator, Isaac Mwaura, however, stood with Kenyatta, stating that one should not represent a client in court until they leave Parliament.
"Allowing that to happen is to promote, encourage and therefore supply political corruption," he remarked.
A draft of the bill states that a public official shall not engage in any gainful employment which the official is mandated to regulate or exercise oversight.
Below is a list of a number of politicians who are lawyers.
Senators
Moses Wetangula - Bungoma
Kipchumba Murkomen - Elgeyo Marakwet
Amos Wako - Busia
Stewart Madzayo - Kilifi
James Orengo - Siaya
Mithika Linturi - Meru
Okong'o O'Mogeni - Nyamira
Kindiki Kithure - Tharaka Nithi
Mutula Kilonzo Jnr - Makueni
Susan Kihika - Nakuru
Irungu Kang'ata - Murang'a
Ochilo Ayacko - Migori
Samson Cherargei - Nandi
Fatuma Dullo - Isiolo
Isaac Mwaura - Nominated
MPs
Alice Wahome - Kandara
Otiende Amollo - Rarieda
John Olago- Kisumu West
Moses Cheboi - Kuresoi North
Peter Kaluma - Homa Bay Town
David Ochieng - Ugenya
Millie Odhiambo - Suba North
Nixon Korir - Langata
Gladys Sholei - Uasin Gishu
Timothy Wanyonyi - Westlands
