The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo speaking during the Debt and Anti-Corruption Citizen Assembly hosted by the Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on 22nd August, 2024
The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) has hosted a Debt and Anti-Corruption Citizen Assembly to campaign for its unwavering commitment to advancing the discourse on public debt and anti-corruption, terming them as the issues that strike the country’s democracy.
Making her remarks on the status of the country, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President noted that the gathering is vital since the citizens are deeply concerned for the future of the country, which is currently tethering between the weights of the debt burden that is going faster.
“As a steward of public interest, the gathering is tasked with a sole duty to scrutinize, challenge and propose reforms to the structure that are governing the economic and financial management,” said Odhiambo, noting that the public debt of the country is exceeding a trillion, which demands an immediate and collective attention.
Odhiambo added that it is not merely an economic concern but a profound legal and ethical issue affecting sovereignty of the countries and the fundamental rights of the citizens.
She explained that the constitution places the responsibility for public financial management on the shoulders of the state institutions, that is, the Act among other legal frameworks, mandates, transparency, accountability and participation on whole financial decisions affecting the public.
“The alarming level of public debt and perverse corruption in the system, suggests that this legal safeguards are being systematically undermined,” lamented Odhiambo, terming that the assembly serves as a clarion call for the enforcement of the laws and restoration of integrity in the public finance management.
She noted that the objective of the assembly is to unpack the complex physical architecture that has led to the precise moment and propose strategic reforms for debt sustainability and to reinforce mechanisms that will eradicate the corruption and impunity that continue to undermine the country’s development.
Further, the LSK President reiterated that the constitution is the supreme of the land and anchor that vows steady and earnest economic and political tempers that go through in the nation, adding that if it is disregarded due to inconvenience, it will be like setting sail without a compass.
“When the public debt piles out of control, it will reduce the ability to perform essential functions such as providing education, healthcare to ensure economic stability,” she said, stressing that the main reason for gathering is to strategize and plan the stand.
Odhiambo urged LSK to confront and hold those responsible to account and push for reforms that implement the rule of law, transparency for the survival of the economy as she encouraged the congregants to make the forum a discussion pad for real change.
“Let us move from rhetoric to action from complaints to solutions and ensure that the constitution being our defender is not just a document of principle but a guide to governance that protects the right and dignity of every Kenyan,” maintained Odhiambo.
She stressed that the decisions and recommendations that emerge from the assembly must be a road map for restoring fiscal discipline, safeguarding the economy of sovereignty and upholding the rule of law.