Mutula asked to focus on reform agenda, unity

By Roselyne Obala

The appointment of Mutula Kilonzo as Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister has drawn mixed reactions from leaders in Western Province.

While he continued to receive praises from religious and political leaders, others expressed reservations urging him to abandon his hard-line political stand he has exhibited in the past.

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, MPs Cyrus Jirongo (Lugari), Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i) Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti), and Musikari Kombo (nominated) said his appointment was crucial in steering national reforms.

Public interest

However, Public Accounts Committee chairman Bonny Khalwale and Kimilili legislator Simiyu Esseli were sceptical and urged the minister to work for the public interest.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo at his KICC office, yesterday. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/STANDARD]

Dr Khalwale said Mutula was perceived to represent a section of hardliners in the PNU side of the coalition. "We are appealing to the new minister to abandon his hard-line stand, throw away his loyalty to PNU and ODM-Kenya and work for Kenyans," said Khalwale.

The Ikolomani legislator promised full backing and support from the opposition wing if the minister showed determination to bring reforms.

"What Kenyans want is reforms and a new constitution, which can only be achieved through a unified leadership where all parties are represented irrespective of political affiliations," he said.

Dr Esseli said Mutula’s reform history had been wanting and urged him to focus on its accomplishment without favour on any side of the political divide.

"Mutula has no choice but to perform. This is what we, the leaders, are advocating for to take this country forward," he explained.

Tough task

Dr Wabukala welcomed Mutula to his new job, adding it was a tough task that needed a lot of wisdom.

"We believe he is capable of initiating reforms and we wish him well in his endeavours to discharged his duties diligently," he stated.

Mr Jirongo called on leaders to be supportive to the new Justice Minister. "We are happy, a senior counsel with vast wealth of experience in the judicial system has been given the job. It is now time for him to deliver," he said.

Dr Namwamba thanked President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga for choosing a competent replacement for former Justice Minister Martha Karua.

"The vacuum filled by the Government was long overdue and has brought to an end speculation and anxiety," he said.

Serena team

Namwamba noted that Mutula was a member of the Serena team and was familiar with Agenda Four.

Mr Wamalwa said the office had remained vacant for long yet the country needed leaders to lead the process of reforms.

"Mutula is renowned senior counsel who is respected and his capability is not in doubt. He has demonstrated this in many occasions we have worked together locally, regionally and internationally," he said.

Wamalwa urged him to keep off party politics and champion national agenda.

The docket remained vacant after former Justice, Constitutional Affairs and National Cohesion Minister Martha Karua quit claiming she was not contacted when major decisions were made in the Judiciary.