ODM fully supports the new currencies launched by CBK, according to the party chairman John Mbadi. This comes after a divide was becoming evident in the party on the issue of the new notes with some leaders, including Siaya Senator James Orengo faulting the inclusion of the statue image of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Speaking to the press at parliament on Tuesday, Mbadi said the party supports the new notes and that different leaders in the party are entitled to their own opinions, but they don’t represent the party’s opinion.
He said the deadline for withdrawal of Kshs 1000 should be on August 1st and not October 1st. He said the party fully supports CBK’s move which is aimed at dealing with graft, and they are ready to compromise other issues for the course. However, he said when new notes will be produced again, the law should be fully adhered to, so as to prevent any controversies, “There was a reason why Kenyans said they don’t want a face of anybody or portrait of anyone on that note.”
During the weekend, Siaya Senator James Orengo and Mbadi faulted the inclusion of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s statue image on the notes. “The Constitution of Kenya has said there should be no inclusion of anyone’s face or image on the notes, but the new notes have the image of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta,” said Orengo, “We tell the President that we should fulfil what the Constitution asks or Kenyans will move to Court.” So far, two cases have been filed opposing the new banknotes, one by activist Okiya Omtatah and another by EALA MP Simon Mbugua.