Kenyan shillings note. [Photo|Citizen TV]Activist Okiya Omtata has written to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), governor Patrick Njoroge, asking him to ensure the image of founding President Jomo Kenyatta, removed from Kenyan shillings notes and coins within seven days.In the letter dated September 14, Omtata says 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."However, appearing before the Senate Finance Committee in the 12th Parliament and 1st Senate, last year, Njoroge said Kenyans should expect the new currencies soon, even though printing the notes without Kenyatta's image would cost the government a whooping Sh18 billion.

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