The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been hit with a
seven-day deadline to remove the images of first Kenyan president Jomo Kenyatta
from the Kenyan money.
In a letter directed to CBK Governor Patrick
Njoroge, activist Okiya Omtatah demanded the removal of Kenyatta’s
images noting that it was against the Constitution.
Mr. Omtatah mentioned that CBK must comply failure to
which he will file a law suit against the financial institution.
The vocal activist argued that the law prohibits the use
of individual’s portraits on notes and coins.
"The Constitution decrees that notes and coins
issued by CBK may bear images that depict or symbolize Kenya or any aspect of Kenya
but shall not bear the portrait of any individual.
"The CBK should publicly declare that it will, with
immediate effect, begin withdrawing all unconstitutional currency notes and
coins from circulation," he said.
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Activist Okiya Omtatah
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Last year Dr. Njoroge came under siege after the Senate
demanded him to explain why Kenyatta’s images were still in use.
"This is a serious matter. I am not satisfied with
the answer given. We should be told when we will have the new notes,”Bungoma
Senator Moses Wetangula asked the CBK Boss.
However, the Governor explained that the process to develop the new currencies was complex and technical, hence the reason for the delay.
"The CBK has embarked on the process of developing
new currency as required by the Constitution. It will be appreciated that the
process is very technical and complex and also involves public participation,
which the governor confirms has already been undertaken,” the statement
read in part.
