A petition has been files to stop the State from using public funds to campaign for Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson bid.

The petition has been filed by city lawyer Lempaa Suyianka at the High Court. He argues that spending public money for this campaign is a violation of Article 201 (a) and (d) of the Constitution.

Article 201: the following principles shall guide all aspects of public finance in the Republic:

(a) there shall be openness and accountability, including public participation in financial matters

(d) public money shall be used in a prudent and responsible way

Mr Suyianka states that he previously wrote to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on September 10, demanding information on the former Prime Minister’s candidature to no avail.

Additionally, he enquired about when the government decided to sponsor or support Mr Odinga’s candidature and what body of the government made the decision. Finally, he sought to know how much money had been set aside for this campaign.

“That pending the interparties hearing of the notice of motion, and pending the hearing of the notice of motion, and pending the hearing of the petition, an order or injunction requiring the third respondent (Ministry of Finance) to stop, cease and desist from using any more public funds or resources for the candidature of the interested party for the position of the African Union Commission chairperson,” he stated.

“Failure to provide information he had requested was a violation of the values and principles of governance, especially those that relate to the rule of law, participation of the people, human rights, good governance and transparency and accountability.”

“Lack of a response to my request is a breach of my freedom to seek, receive or impart information. If the following bodies are not compelled to provide this information, Mr Odinga’s candidature is likely to be conducted in secrecy and huge amounts of taxpayers money could be lost,” he concluded his application.