Okiya Omtatah Leads Fight Against New CAS Offices
A group comprising Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and Nakuru-based surgeon Dr. Magare Gikenyi, among others, has taken decisive legal action aimed at thwarting President William Ruto’s authority to appoint chief administrative secretaries (CASs).
In a swiftly filed legal suit marked by a certificate of urgency, the petitioners are fervently seeking the intervention of the High Court to put on hold several provisions of the National Coordination Act, the very legislation that birthed the CAS office, alongside the pivotal roles of Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service.
At the heart of their contention lies the assertion that these legislative amendments have birthed nebulous positions, potentially paving the way for the wanton and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, a clear contravention of the mandates enshrined in Article 201 of the constitution, which advocates for prudent fiscal management.
In a plea to the court, the petitioners are earnestly seeking the suspension of specific sections of the National Government Coordination Act until their case is diligently heard and judiciously determined.
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Omtatah and his co-petitioners argue passionately that these newly introduced statutory roles blatantly infringe upon the sacred tenets of the Constitution, threatening the delicate balance of power it seeks to uphold.
They underscore the glaring discrepancy between the pending appeal challenging the appointment of 50 CASs and the government’s obstinate determination to forge ahead with the implementation of changes to the Act.
Drawing attention to a prior court ruling that equated the CAS office with that of the Principal Secretary, thus hinting at a worrisome overlap in responsibilities, Dr. Gikenyi eloquently articulates the need for the court to suspend the contested provisions until their constitutional validity can be definitively ascertained, echoing the sentiments expressed by the esteemed Court of Appeal.
In a passionate plea to the court, Dr. Gikenyi implores the judiciary to grant their fervent requests, emphasizing the paramount importance of preserving the sacrosanct integrity of the Constitution, which they firmly believe is imperiled by these contentious legislative enactments, thereby underscoring the gravity of the situation pending the conclusive resolution of their case.
Okiya Omtatah Leads Fight Against New CAS Offices