By Vincent Bartoo
Eldoret North MP William Ruto has claimed that there is a conspiracy to push the nominees of the Chief Justice and deputy Chief Justice into office without proper vetting.
He said the Constitution demands that they go through public scrutiny and yet some political forces are hell bent on avoiding the process.
"Mutunga should explain the relationship between the earring he wears and his ancestors and what values he stands for," said Mr Ruto.
The MP challenged Dr Willy Mutunga who has been nominated for the office of Chief Justice to explain to Kenyans what he knows about the Kenya Gay and Lesbian Trust.
He spoke as Catholic Church head John Cardinal Njue said the Church will not be intimidated against airing their views on critical issues.
Njue said the Catholic Church will not be scared by abuses that have been directed at its leadership for taking certain positions on national debates, saying it was their duty to give guidance to the society.
The cardinal has faced accusations over a statement he, together with other Catholic bishops, issued calling on Parliament to interrogate the "moral values and family principles" of the nominees for Chief Justice and deputy Chief Justice, Mutunga and Ms Nancy Barasa, respectively.
Standoff
But at a harambee for construction of a cathedral for Diocese of Ngong, Njue said: "We have become targets of abuse, but we will not be scared by that. The Church must accomplish its responsibilities. We have a duty and nothing will stop us from that."
Speaking in Eldoret, Ruto claimed the Kenya Gay and Lesbian Trust was registered illegally because the culture is banned in Kenya.
He said the current standoff in Parliament over the constitution of the legal committee was calculated to ensure that the moral probity of the nominees is not questioned.
"The circus surrounding the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee and the ad hoc committee is an attempt to lock out certain people as part of the conspiracy to push the names without scrutiny," Ruto told worshippers at the Mother of Apostles Catholic Church.
He vowed to challenge the appointment of Mutunga
He added: "I am a parent. I do not want to be confronted one day by my son who wants to wear an earring just because the Chief Justice wears one".
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