CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Lawmakers should not represent state officials in court

Legislative arm of government should not participate in judicial processes

In Summary

• Appearing in court as a witness is allowed. 

• We should revisit the laws that allow this to happen for separation of powers. 

Lawyer James Orengo in 2017
REVISIT LAWS: Lawyer James Orengo in 2017
Image: FILE

I agree with sentiments expressed by some Kenyans that it is a conflict of interest to have sitting senators, or any other legislator representing a government official, especially a state official accused of a crime as counsel.

Because of the principle of separation of powers, the legislative arm of government must not be seen to participate in a judicial process as counsel, as witnesses is allowed, but it's high time we revisited the laws that allow this to happen to allow justice to take its course.  

 

Kisii 

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