Mwau Steps aside to allow fair probe in drug trade link

By BEAUTTAH OMANGA

STANDARD CORRESPONDENT

Trade Assistant Minister Harun Mwau has stepped aside until an investigation linking him to illicit drugs trade is completed.

The Office of the PM issued a statement saying President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga consulted and asked Mwau to step down.

"The PM in consultation with President Kibaki asked Harun Mwau to step down as Assistant Minister until investigations into allegations that he is one of those involved in drug trafficking are completed," read the statement, signed by the PM’s Spokesman Dennis Onyango.

The statement quoted the PM acknowledging Mwau’s acceptance to step down, saying it was a shared feeling with the President.

Speaking later, Mwau said he had accepted to step down to give room for free and fair investigation.

"I accepted to step down as per the law to let the investigators carry out their duties. The law is clear that I can’t be in office while undergoing investigations," he said.

Mwau was among individuals named in Parliament by Internal Security Minister George Saitoti over their involvement in drug trade.

Others are Juja MP William Kabogo, Gidion Mbuvi (Makadara), Ali Hassan Joho (Kisauni) and businessman Ali Punjani.

And Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale welcomed Mwau’s resignation and challenged others leaders facing investigations in relation to criminal activities to step aside.

He said it was ironical for the President and the PM to ask Mwau to step down, while vowing to stand by the Ocampo Six, "Why double standard on the part of the two principals? They are on record saying part of the Ocampo Six will continue with their duties until arraigned.　

of the Kenyan law and using the same interpretation they have used on Mwau, they should ask those in Government to step aside," said Dr Khalwale.

He was referring to Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura, Ministers Uhuru Kenyatta, Henry Kosgey and Postmaster General Hussein Ali.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Sambiri Jaoko has also accused the principals of employing double standards.

"We must respect the law by first resigning once one is under investigations or the two appointing authorities step in to ensure the law is respected to the letter," said Ms Jaoko.