Written By Lisa Murimi
City lawyer Lempaa Suyianka has filed a petition at the High Court seeking to stop the government from using public funds to campaign for Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
Suyianka, along with the African Centre for Peace and Human Rights, contends that the expenditure violates constitutional provisions on financial accountability and transparency.
The petition cites Articles 201(a) and 201(d) of the Constitution, which mandate prudent use of public resources and responsible financial management.
The lawyer revealed that he wrote to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on September 10, requesting details about the decision to sponsor 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,” Suyianka stated.
The petition alleges that Raila has been campaigning across Africa with government officials, shrouded in secrecy and lacking transparency.
Suyianka requested an injunction to halt further public funding until the case is resolved, warning of potential misuse of taxpayer money.
“The lack of transparency undermines governance principles and risks mismanagement of public funds,” he argued. Judicial intervention, he said, is critical to safeguard public resources.
