Named State officials urged to quit positions

By MANGOA MOSOTA

Post-election violence suspects serving in Government have been asked to resign.

Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop Bineah Salala and East Africa Law Society vice-president James Mwamu said the leaders should leave office, as investigation continues.

"It is wrong to continue being in office. Let the law take its full course," said Salala.

Mr Mwamu said the Public Ethic Act demands suspects who hold State positions to tender resignations.

"If they do not to resign, then they will have to be sacked. We expect impunity to end with the announcement of the names," said Salala, who is the head of ACK Mumias Diocese.

Interfere with probe

Yesterday, Ocampo named six Kenyans as the suspects that carry the heaviest responsibility for post-election violence of 2007/2008.

Mwamu said Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura, Ministers Henry Kosgey and Uhuru Kenyatta should vacate office. He said if Muthaura remained, he would interfere with investigation due to his high office.

"They have been named as top suspects and are reported to have taken criminal responsibility hence they have to resign," he argued.

However, he said politicians should not make inflammatory comments, adding this could lead to violence.

"MPs had a chance to set up a local tribunal. They cannot dismiss Moreno-Ocampo now after realising he was serious in his investigation," he said.

The resignation calls were also made by a section of MPs who urged State officials named to quit.

Provisions under New laws

Led by Central Imenti MP Gitobu Imanyara, the MPs demanded immediate resignation from the suspects "in line with the new Constitution".

"The law is clear that they should leave office. There is no way (Francis) Muthuara will operate as Secretary to the Cabinet, which requires him to communicate with all ministers and other top civil servants," said Imanyara.