Karua threatens to resign, citing frustrations

By Munene Kamau

Justice Minister Martha Karua has threatened to quit the Cabinet due to frustrations from power brokers.

Ms Karua said she no longer has a hand in the running of her ministry.

She charged that a cartel in the Office of the President is frustrating her and decisions on her ministry are made without her knowledge.

"A cartel in the Office of the President comprising anti-reformists is making my work difficult," she said.

Speaking at a Narc-Kenya rally in Embu, yesterday, she said her agenda is to reform the Judiciary and the police force, among other institutions, but cartels have blocked her initiatives.

Karua, a staunch Kibaki supporter who appears to have fallen out of favour, said unless the President moves fast and stamps his authority on the cartel, she would quit Government.

The minister laid bare her frustrations days after Kibaki ignored her calls for proper reforms in the Judiciary and went ahead to hire seven new judges without her knowledge.

Minister bitter

After the swearing in ceremony for the judges on Thursday, Karua said she learnt of the event through the media.

Yesterday, a bitter Karua said: "This is not about getting people from your pockets and holding ceremonies. People’s records must be clear so that we do not end up hiring people of questionable character."

She said some lawyers might have been involved in corrupt practices, therefore the need for thorough vetting before being appointed to the Bench.

Karua and those who support her views have called for proper reforms in the Judiciary, which has been blamed for several malpractices, including corruption.

The Justice minister has also been at loggerheads with Chief Justice Evan Gicheru, whom she accuses of derailing reforms in the Judiciary.

She said she would consult her Narc-Kenya party, which she chairs, before making any move.

She retaliated that she would still be comfortable serving her Gichugu constituency, even outside the Cabinet.

"I am ready to step aside so that I can point out shortcomings in the Government freely," she said.

She also charged that the Grand Coalition Government was skirting around Agenda Four, which involves carrying out crucial reforms.

"When it comes to issues of corruption, I do not laugh about or joke as some people in Government are doing," she said.

She added: I am ready to fight to the end to ensure the aspirations of Kenyans are not held back by corruption."

Gender Minister Esther Murugi, assistant Minister Danson Mungatana, former Mwea MP Alfred Nderitu and former Gatundu North MP Patrick Muiruri attended the Narc-Kenya rally.

Mr Mungatana criticised Kibaki’s administration, saying it was fond of hiring retirees instead of the youth.