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No room for caretaker govt in Kenya, says AG Githu Muigai

Friday September 22 2017
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Attorney-General Githu Muigai. He has dismissed claims of a looming constitutional crisis as the country prepares for repeat presidential election. FILE PHOTO | NMG

By NATION AFRICA

Kenya's Attorney-General Githu Muigai has dismissed claims of a looming constitutional crisis as the country prepares for repeat presidential election.

Mr Muigai, on Thursday said at a press conference, called to clarify the law on the opposition coalition National Super Alliance lawyer’s recent claims that a caretaker or transitional government would formed if electoral body IEBC fails to hold the poll were misguided.

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He reiterated that President Kenyatta is in charge until new president is sworn in.

Speaking at his office, the government’s chief legal adviser said President Kenyatta would enjoy all the powers bestowed on his office until the next head of state is sworn in.

The powers, he said, include that of the Commander in Chief of the armed forces.

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Opposition National Super Alliance has described the status enjoyed by President Kenyatta as “temporary incumbency” as provided in Article 134 of the Constitution.

The Article mentions the period between the election date and the day the newly elected president is sworn in.

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Prof Muigai, however, stated President Kenyatta’s legitimacy could not be questioned.

He said the Constitution only restricts President Kenyatta from carrying out some functions as stated in Article 134(2).

They include nomination or appointment of judges, appointment or dismissal of Cabinet secretaries or any other state or public officers and conferring the power of mercy or honours.

“There is no room for the creation of any other form of government. Until the day of the swearing-in of a newly elected president, the legitimacy of the government cannot be questioned,” he said.

Kenyans head for the repeat presidential poll on October 26, after the August 8 election was nullified by the Supreme Court.

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