
07-04-2008, 11:12 PM
Uhuru added: "I don’t want to say whether Kimunya is guilty or not, what am saying is the manner in which he is put to mob justice without getting facts. We need to follow due process. We need to put evidence first and thereafter give a verdict whether to take him to jail or not."
Orengo argued given Parliament’s frustration of business brought forward by the minister, and because his assistants do not have the requisite powers bestowed on him by the constitution, the Government was in a state of paralysis.
"We are in a crisis, the Finance docket cannot operate without a minister … in a vacuum. The minister is gazetted and empowered by law to sign contracts on behalf of the Government even outside the country with donors and trading partners."
Citing examples from the constitution, Orengo argued the Interpretation and General Provisions Act clearly defines the duties of the Finance minister and Treasury: "The Finance minister has direct management powers over the Treasury, the Consolidated Fund, its control and execution, collection of revenue and authorised expenditure exercised through Parliament. Without these powers we are in a crisis," Orengo explained.
"Not even the President has direct and constitutional powers over Consolidated Fund and the Treasury… it is the Finance Minister," Orengo pointed out.
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