The High Court has temporarily suspended the establishment of the Presidential task force on the forensic audit of public debt pending the determination of a case filed by Dr. Magare Gikenyi and Eliud Matindi, based in Nakuru.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the order after they argued that auditing public debt is constitutionally the mandate of the Auditor General, not a task force appointed by the Executive or any other entity.
President William Ruto had appointed the Presidential Task Force on Forensic Audit of the Public Debt last Friday through Executive Order No. 4, as part of austerity measures following the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
“The office of the Auditor-General is independent. Duplicating roles is a waste of scarce public resources since the task force will essentially be performing roles of existing public offices, contrary to the constitution,” they said.
The Judge in suspending the executive order directed that the application be served on the Attorney General and other respondents within the next three days. Responses he said are to be filed in seven days.
The court will issue further directions on July 23.