In the letter dated September 14, Omtata said the constitution prohibits the use of portraits or images of individuals on currency. [Photo|Ruth Ambogo]Activist Okiya Omtata wrote to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), governor Patrick Njoroge, asking him to ensure the image of founding President Jomo Kenyatta, removed from Kenyan notes and coins within seven days.In the letter dated September 14, Omtata said the constitution prohibits the use of portraits or images of individuals on currency, and that notes and coins should only bear images that depict or symbolise an aspect of the Republic of Kenya."The constitution decrees that notes and coins issued by CBK may bear images that depict or symbolise Kenya or any aspect of Kenya but shall not bear the portrait of any individual," he said.Omtata asked Njoroge to ensure the Kenyan shillings notes and coins should be replaced with those that do not bear the image of any individual, failure to which an action will be taken."The CBK should publicly declare that it will, with immediate effect, begin withdrawing all unconstitutional currency notes and coins from circulation," said the Activist."Failure on your part to respect, uphold and defend the constitution as required will necessitate our recourse at the bank's sole risk as to cost and other consequences, to the constitutional and human rights division, for orders to compel your compliance."This has seen some photos of what is believed to be the new Kenyan shillings notes, start doing rounds on social media.The notes do not have image of the founding father, but rather, images of the Kenyan wildlife.Below are the photos. It should be noted that CBK is yet to confirm, if indeed, they are the notes coming in the market.

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