Former Makadara Member of Parliament Bernard Mutura now argues that the Central Bank of Kenya's (CBK) recent decision to recall Sh1000 notes will not be of much help.
Speaking last Saturday, CBK governor Patrick Njoroge said that the move aims at tackling corruption, upon realizing that the denomination is being heavily used in illicit dealings.
The move has also been largely seen as one aimed at nabbing corruption cartels keeping large amounts of money out of banks, a attempts Mutura has laughed off.
Speaking on Saturday, the former Jubilee Party MP observed that though the CBK has put measures in place to ensure that those attempting to bank or change huge amounts of Sh1000 notes are questioned, this will not stop the corrupt.
The MP who was speaking on Radio Jambo's Mazungumzo Waziwazi show said that it will be very easy for those having the money to use foreign banks and those in the neighbouring countries to have their way.
"Hii haitasaidia maana pesa ya Kenya ni international, inatumika dunia nzima, kwa hivyo inaweza badilishiwa popote duniani (Kenyan currency is an international one and is used across the world. It can be changed anywhere across the world)," he said.
He also faulted those viewing the move as largely aimed at tackling politicians, saying that they are being overrated on matters finances.
The ex-legislator said that politicians are being wrongly judged by being thought to be rich, which he said is lie.
He added that unlike in the past where politicians topped the list of wealthiest persons in the country, they have since lost the glory to the business class.
"Hii Kasumba watu wanaambiwa eti wanasiasa wana pesa, hakuna. Wanasiasa sasa hawana pesa, pesa ziko na wanabiashara (there is a mentality that politicians are rich which is not true. Politicians no longer have money, the money is now with businesspeople)," he said.
The Sh1000 note will become invalid from October 1, a window within which all Kenyans holding the bilk are expected to have handed them over to the CBK through banks.