ODM-K threatens to quit PNU if Mutula is sacked

By Athman Amran

ODM-Kenya has warned that it will pull out of the PNU Alliance if the Constitutional Affairs minister Mutula Kilonzo is sacked for allegedly not protecting six leaders against being indicted by the International Criminal Court.

ODM-K deputy organising secretary Mohamed Abikar said targeting Mutula, who is the party’s secretary-general, would be tantamount to targeting ODM-K.

Some high-ranking ministers in PNU are said to be canvassing for the sacking of Mutula, Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti and former Foreign Affairs minister for not protecting the six against being indicted by the ICC.

Leaders named by the ICC as bearing the greatest responsibility for the 2007/2008 post-election violence include Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Eldoret North MP William Ruto, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Francis Muthaura and former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali.

"Mutula is being targeted for standing up for the rule of law and fighting impunity and sycophancy. Mutula, like former Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua, has stood out as a leader who knows that Constitution has to be respected and that nobody is above the law. Those expecting the Constitution to be tilted in their favour are daydreaming. We dare them sack our secretary-general," Abikar said.

Abikar at the same time called on ODM-K leader Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka to resist the moving of Mutula to another ministry or sacking.

"The VP should speak out when a party member is being targeted for axing by PNU, which we supported in 2008 to form a half-cabinet and increase President Kibaki’s strength in Parliament," Abikar said.

He said ODM-K could be destroyed from within if the party leadership does not stand up for its ministers or members when being unfairly targeted.

Abikar said he was going to consult so that the party calls for an urgent National Executive Committee meeting to discuss the targeting of Mutula.