Why Justina Wamae and Faith Adhiambo declined Ruto's appointment

Roots Party deputy Justina Wamae and the Law Society of Kenya president Faith Adhiambo were appointed by President William Ruto for different positions through a gazette notice dated July 5, 2024.

The Former Roots party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae was appointed to the Presidential Taskforce on Addressing Human Resources for Health.

Wamae was among others appointed to the 18-member task force, to be chaired by Prof. Khama Rogo with Judith Guserwa as his Vice Chairperson. 

On Monday, Justina took to her X page to respond to President Ruto's appointment.

She first showed gratitude to the president for recognizing her ability and capacity to handle the position.

However, she declined the offer saying that she was in maternity leave which would not enable her to work effectively.

LSK president Faith Adhiambo also turned down her appointment by President Ruto  to be a member of an independent task force that would audit the country's public debt. 

In a statement by LSK Secretary Florence Muturi, the LSK noted that the task force is unconstitutional since the mandate to conduct public audits rests with the office of the Auditor General.

LSK pointed out the Auditor General is required by law to audit the public debt within six months after the end of each financial year. 

"The Council of the Law Society of Kenya has thus resolved that neither our president nor any of our members shall take up appointments or participate in the said taskforce," LSK statement said. 

"The LSK, under its statutory mandate, advises the President to refrain from usurping the Constitutional powers of the Auditor-General through Executive Orders and allow the Auditor-General to perform her constitutional duties."

Ruto had appointed a four-member team to audit the country's public debt and release a report within 90 days. 

The team is to be chaired by Nancy Onyango and deputised by Professor Luis Franceschi.