"I am not gay", CJ nominee Mutunga says

By Roseleen Nzioka

Dr Willy Munyoki Mutunga, the nominee for the position of Chief Justice has categorically said he is not gay. Dr Mutunga made the remarks when he appeared before a televised vetting session by Parliamentary Committee on Implementation of the Constitution (CIOC) Tuesday.

The CIOC embarked on vetting the candidates for the position of Chief Justice, deputy Chief Justice and Director of Public Prosecutions. The nominees publicly defended themselves against the questions raised by those who appeared before the vetting team earlier on Monday.

Dr Mutunga and his proposed deputy Nancy Barasa, defended themselves against claims they tolerate gay and lesbian groups, with each explaining why and how they view the taboo topic.

Chief Justice nominee Dr Willy Mutunga

For Mutunga specifically, the tough questions came from the Church who on Monday said that his ear stud sets a bad example for the youth and puts to question his morality and probably even sexual orientation.

Dr Mutunga said he wears the stud as part of his religion and wanted his right to wear it protected just as the rights of Catholics to wear a rosary.

"Let me say it straight out, I am not gay. And having said that, let me say also I do not discriminate against gay people. That will be my straight answer," he said in response to a direct question by Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire.

The nominee for Director of Public Prosecution Mr Keriako Tobiko was not having it easy either, as his former boss at the defunct Constitution of Kenya Review Commission Prof Yash Pal Ghai came forward on Monday to accuse him of having played the role of a Kanu mole in the review sittings, and generally working for the downfall of the review process.

Ghai expressed fear this was the wrong man for the sensitive position of DPP, whose powers have been enhanced by the Constitution.

During the vetting on Tuesday Tobiko was faced with allegations of seeking for Sh5 million bribe from a Kenyan who claimed that he had evidence of this on sms. Nominated MP Rachael Shebesh, on behalf of the accuser said that Mr Tobiko had even threatened the Kenyan with dire consequences should he not pay up the bribe. Tobiko denied the allegations.

Dr Mutunga said for most of his childhood, he practiced the Kamba traditional religion. As a Protestant, he was baptized and given the name William. He later became a Roman Catholic and was baptized and confirmed as William Jacob. As a Muslim his name is Wali Mohammed. He said he is a man of all faiths.

He said he had been to many places of prayer including synagogues and shrines. He said that he believed in the Supreme Being.

Dr Mutunga said he had applied for the job as a matter of national service and not the perks.