Lawyer seeks to block state spending on Raila’s AUC bid
By Amina Wako |
Suyianka, together with the African Centre for Peace and Human Rights, argues that the expenditure violates constitutional provisions on financial accountability and transparency.
City lawyer Lempaa Suyianka has filed a petition at the High Court seeking to halt the government's use of public funds in campaigning for Raila Odinga's bid to become the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
Suyianka, together with the African Centre for Peace and Human Rights, argues that the expenditure violates constitutional provisions on financial accountability and transparency.
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In his application, Suyianka asserts that using public resources to promote Raila’s candidacy breaches Articles 201(a) and 201(d) of the Constitution, which emphasise the prudent use of public funds and responsible financial management.
The lawyer disclosed that he wrote to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on September 10, requesting details about the government’s decision to support Raila's candidacy, but received no response.
“I sought to know when and who within the government decided to sponsor Raila’s bid, how much public funds have been allocated, and how much has already been spent, but no information has been forthcoming,” he said.
Suyianka claims that Raila has been traversing the continent, accompanied by government officials, in his campaign for the AUC chairperson position adding the campaign remains veiled in secrecy, devoid of transparency and accountability.
He requested an injunction against the Ministry of Finance to halt the further allocation of public funds to the campaign until the hearing and determination of the case.
“The failure to provide the requested information infringes on my rights under Articles 35 and 33 of the Constitution, which guarantee access to information and freedom of expression,” Suyianka stated.
The petition also alleges that the government’s actions violate governance principles, including the rule of law, participation of the public, and accountability.
“Failure to disclose this information not only undermines transparency but also creates the risk of misuse of taxpayers’ money,” Suyianka warned.
He further emphasised the need for judicial intervention to prevent potential public resource losses.
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