Arturs: MPs say Michuki 'unfit' to hold public office

By MARTIN MUTUA

Parliament adopted a report on the Artur brothers' scandal, calling for the sacking of Environment Minister John Michuki. Mr Michuki was the Minister for Internal Security when the Armenian thugs raided The Standard Group.

The report by two parliamentary committees accuses Michuki and a clique of powerful people close to President Kibaki of being behind the Artur scandal and the raid on the media house in March 2006.

The report of the probe conducted by the Parliamentary Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs and the Committee on National and Local Authorities, calls for further investigation of Michuki, who is described as unfit to hold public office, tary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura.

Following the adoption of the report, the Government now has 30 days within which it should implement the recommendations of the parliamentary teams.

According to Parliament’s Standing Order No 196, the Committee on Implementation will monitor whether the report adopted by MPs is implemented.

"The committee may propose sanctions to the House on any minister who fails to implement resolutions of the House," say the Standing Orders.

One of the recommendations of the report is to find out what the Head of State knew about the raid on The Standard Group. The report calls for action against security officials who declined summons to appear before the committees.

Yesterday, MPs were unanimous that the Government should compensate The Standard Group for the March 2, 2006, raid in which hooded thugs led by the so-called Artur brothers roughed up staff, switched off KTN transmission, and burnt copies of the day’s newspaper.

John Michuki: Confirmed raid was done by intelligence forces

There was heated debate on the floor of the House before the adoption of the report, as MPs put Gichugu MP, Martha Karua, in a spot over her alleged attempts in 2006 to block the probe into the scandal.

Cabinet ministers and backbenchers demanded that the Government compensates The Standard Group for the destruction on its premises, as well as on its staff who were on duty on the night of the raid.

Hooded men

Vihiga MP, Yusuf Chanzu, who seconded the Motion that was moved by Imenti Central MP, Gitobu Imanyara, said the raid was a sad day in Kenya’s history.

Nominated MP Rachel Shebesh said the day The Standard Group was raided a lot of information was concealed as the hooded men were acting in complicity with the police and political interests.

"The committee got confirmation from Michuki it was indeed a raid done by intelligence forces, which was outright arrogance. Michuki is still a minister in this Government, which is a perpetuation of impunity," she added.

And Shebesh noted: "We still have the same President after the raid."

Shebesh said to date the owners of the godowns that housed containers imported by the Artur brothers have never been arrested, which shows that there are people who are "untouchable", as it had happened in the full view of security forces.

Karua defended herself saying she condemned the raid on The Standard Group.

"As the then Minister for Justice, I did express my outrage on the raid at The Standard Group at the time. I did say that the culprits should be prosecuted. I had no problem with the investigations, but I did not believe under the principle of separation of powers we could have two investigations at the same time, she added.

Karua said she believed that Parliament should have waited for the Executive to conclude its investigations, then pick on it and carry out more investigations.

Karua said when she learnt of the raid through a Cabinet minister, she called the Commissioner of Police and asked that the two be arrested.

She, however, added that there were people "close to the President" who should be punished as report recommends.

"If you look at the report there is evidence linking people close to the President and they should be punished," she added.

MPs were unanimous the Government should compensate The Standard Group for the March 2, 2006, raid in which hooded thugs led by the Artur brothers roughed up staff and switched off KTN. [PHOTOS: FILE/STANDARD]

Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo clashed with Karua when she said the report had indicated the former Justice minister attempted to block the investigation.

Karua accused a ‘clique’ of ODM members, saying there was an orchestrated move to paint her in bad light and described the attempt as "dishonest".

Acting temporary Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso, however, ordered Karua to withdraw the remark after Shebesh and Millie protested. Karua later apologised to the House, but remained adamant those focusing on her alleged role were pursuing a political agenda.

Gwassi MP John Mbadi said it was shocking that the foreigners were issued with national IDs and later made deputy commissioners of police, and given VIP treatment.

"This was a really sad situation and the highest case of impunity," he added.

Mr Mbadi said the raid was meant to interfere with freedom of the Press, adding that The Standard Group staff were assaulted, molested, and harassed while doing their work.

Terrorist brothers

Those involved must be prosecuted beginning with Michuki because he had confirmed he was responsible," he said, adding he should be compelled to resign.

Ainamoi MP Benjamin Lagat said the Government should have waited for the ‘story’ to be published, and if aggrieved, then take legal action as opposed to raiding the media house.

"The Government used uncouth means and the Standard (Group) should be compensated because it was an act of the Government," he added.

Mr Lagat said he was still in shock that foreigners were issued with police badges, a move he described as treasonous, and called for action to deter similar behaviour in future.

Education Assistant Minister Ayiecho Olweny described the Artur brothers as terrorists who should not have been allowed into the country.

"These two terrorists invaded The Standard Group and the Government should be held responsible. It is sad that the raiders were operating with support of State House. The Standard Group should be compensated for property destroyed," he added.

Prof Olweny said those associated with the terrorists and are still in Government should be arrested and punished.

Government Chief Whip (ODM) Jakoyo Midiwo claimed the Artur brothers had been brought in to kill some people. But an attempt by Midiwo to drag in the name of First Lady Lucy Kibaki was blocked by Dujis MP, Aden Duale, who said MPs should stick to the report.

Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo who responded on behalf of the Government said the report demonstrated what should not happen, describing the Artur brothers as "undesirable characters of doubtful reputation", and wondering how they found their way in.