With lords of defiance as guardian angels, Ringera is in good company

Otuma Ongalo

Any time the calls for Justice Aaron Ringera’s resignation become louder and his defiance climbs a notch higher, do not forget the events of December 30, 2007.

The place was State House, time was shortly before nightfall, and the occasion was a history now written in blood and tears.

The day shall forever linger in the minds of many Kenyans who witnessed the swearing-in of President Kibaki for a second term. It was an occasion more sombre than a funeral and against its backdrop, Kenya went up in smoke.

The rest is history. Nevertheless, this was the day the spirit of public defiance was deeply entrenched and the tree of impunity watered like never before. It was the crowning moment of national anarchy that keeps lingering around like a stubborn ghost that refuses to be appeased.

Chief Justice Evan Gicheru – wherever he got his official regalia and intuition to be at State House at the opportune moment – was at hand to legitimise the disputed victory. John Michuki, then Minister for Internal Security, ensured media blackout of ensuing events. And police were at hand to ensure the status quo remains.

These are indelible historical facts. In schools, we were told, the past helps us understand the present and predict the future. After the controversial "duly" swearing in, the "Kibaki must go" calls fell on deaf ears, railway uprooting never derailed the resolve and countrywide fires never seared hearts of those keen to maintain status quo.

Like in a fairy tale, the plot took a further dramatic twist. Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, the man both friend and foe admit failed in his presidential bid, was given the number two slot – just a heartbeat away from the presidency. The decision was double edged, on one hand it consolidated Kibaki’s controversial win but it also sent a clear message that public opinion never matters when it comes to key appointments.

Now, when I think of Jesus and Simon Peter, I think of Kalonzo and Mutula Kilonzo, the Justice Minister. The master and faithful disciple.

In the Bible, Jesus told Simon: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it," (Mathew 16:18).

The oracle tells me one day Kalonzo told Kilonzo: "And I also say to you that you are Mutula, and upon this rock I will build my political dreams; and the swords of my enemies will not penetrate your legal mind".

And so, as it were in the confusion that later culminated into Coalition Government, Mutula rose through the political rank to become Justice Minister without veritable credentials of fighting injustice – at least for the common man.

Is it by a strange coincidence that the Three Ks – Kibaki, Kalonzo, and Kilonzo – are the rock upon which Ringera’s hopes for a second stint at the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission lie? Kibaki appointed him amid accusations he acted unilaterally and against the law, Kalonzo swore the President consulted widely before the appointment, and Kilonzo insists no law was broken.

With backing of the three – and loud silence of Prime Minister Raila Odinga – Ringera can rest soundly on an island of solace in a sea of chaos. The President is the law unto himself. Kalonzo is his principal assistant and cheer leader. And Kilonzo is the custodian of instruments of law and justice. The rest of humanity can shout till the cows come back home.

Ringera should find solace in Psalm 23: "The Lord (read Three Ks) is my shepherd, I shall not want …. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me….."

However, amid the solace, he should not forget no ruler or army is more powerful than the voice of the people.

The writer is The Standard Senior Editor, Production and Quality

oongalo@standardmedia.co.ke