President William Ruto’s administration was taken to court on Thursday, December 8, over the constitutionality of the Hustlers Fund.
A civil society group is challenging the operationalisation of the Hustlers Fund Loans, noting that there were no appropriate laws to actualise it.
The nongovernmental organisation, Linda Ugatuzi, wants the government to address critical aspects of the project, from its inception to the source of funds.
Linda Ugatuzi also questioned how the fund operates as its base of operations was unknown.
According to Linda Ugatuzi, the fund was launched without any legal basis and backing by the Constitution.
The civil society group was represented by Prof Fred Ogolla, who also wondered why Kenyans are asked to provide their mobile money PIN numbers before accessing the loans.
“A fund of this nature has to be established by an Act of Parliament, and the monies being dished to Kenyans must be contained in the financial budget,” the professor argued.
Linda Ugatuzi maintained that the fund needed parliamentary approval before being launched by the President.
The petition sought both advisory and conservatory orders from the High Court that would suspend the kitty while also giving directions to the government.
Linda Ugatuzi noted that Kenyans need to be protected from unscrupulous financial engagements whose sources are unclear.
Among their prayers was the identity of the operation office and the list of directors.
“Kenyans are not under pressure to pay back as the funds lack a legal framework for repayment terms,” Prof Fred Ogolla warned.
The government was yet to issue a statement on the suit by the time of publication.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE