Lawyers are not ready to share information on the deals with their clients.
The professionals have since objected the proposals to change the constitution to force them to reveal their financial transactions with clients as President Uhuru Kenyatta seeks to leave behind a legacy when he completes his second and final term in power. Through the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), lawyers have promised to ensure that the Finance Bill 2019 doesn’t sail through.
They opine that disclosing the details of their transactions with their clients will expose them in bad faith.
They have reiterated that the push to amend the sections of Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act is not only ill-timed but also ill-intended.
They noted that as much as they are supporting the war against graft and cases of money laundering as well as cases of terror financing, it will be unfair for their financial transactions to be made public.
LSK has affirmed that the move is illegally and it should not be considered at all for the sake of their productivity.
“The LSK is fully supportive of efforts towards fighting money laundering and terrorism financing. However, the society is in opposition to legislative proposals and provisions that substantially affect the practice of law, rule of law and administration of justice,” LSK argues in a statement, as quoted by Standard.
LSK President Allen Waiyaki and lawyer Tom Ojienda are expected to appear before the parliamentary committee to explain their position on the matter before the Bill is debated.