Raila appoints city lawyer his legal adviser

By BEN AGINA

and PETER OPIYO

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has appointed city lawyer Paul Mwangi as his Legal Affairs Adviser.

In an appointment letter signed by PS in the Office of the Prime Minister Mohammed Isahakia, Mwangi is to take up the position starting January 2, 2012.

According to the letter, Mwangi’s role would be to advise on legal issues that arise in the administration of the Office of the PM, the proposed legislations on the implementation of Constitution and advise on Constitutional issues surrounding the implementation of the new Charter.

He is also expected to represent the PM on any discussion forum on the implementation of Constitution and also advise on the legal issues surrounding implementation of Agenda Four.

Mwangi, 44, who hails from President Kibaki’s Othaya Constituency, did his A-Level at Kagumo High School in 1985 where he emerged top, earning himself the prestigious Gandhi Smarat Nidhi Award for the most excellent performance.

He then proceeded to University of Nairobi where he pursued a Bachelors degree in Law.

He is an advocate in private practice and a regular contributor in the local newspapers and TV talk shows. He also served as national legal adviser of the Yes team in the 2005 referendum.

Key role

He was among the first to blow the whistle on judicial corruption through his book Black Bar: "Corruption and Political Intrigues within Kenya’s Legal Fraternity."

Speaking to The Standard, Mwangi expressed gratitude to the PM for the honour and trust he has bestowed upon him.