Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata has differed with President Uhuru Kenyatta, over conflict of interest, among legislators who engage in private legal practice.
Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations earlier in the month, Uhuru said the same amounts to conflict of interest, ordering Attorney General Paul Kariuki to come up with a bill to prevent the same.
He was referring to a scenario where Senators; Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mutula Kilonzo (Makueni) and Makueni MP Dan Maanzo were hired to represent Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko in his corruption cases.
According to Kang'ata, there is nothing wrong with state officers practicing law, adding that Kenyans are free to pick whomever they want to represent them, including state officers.
“Whereas the issue conflict of interest may be raised, every person retains the right to choose counsel. Courts have already pronounced themselves and allowed lawyers who are MPs and senators to continue handling the cases,” he told the Nation on phone.
The senator, also a lawyer, said Kenyans should be at liberty to enjoy the services of their lawmakers, who double up as advocates.
He noted that they too, like other Kenyans, have families and should be allowed to engage in any job.
He said personally, he still practices “as a side hustle, for that keeps me away from corruption and shady deals”, and is not intending to close down his law firm.
“I don’t intend to close my law firm. Lawyers too have families. Legislators who do not have a fallback plan upon leaving politics are highly exposed to the vagaries of corruption,” he said.