Raila: I will negotiate with Kibaki

By PETER OPIYO

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is optimistic the controversial nominations of four individuals to key national positions would be solved amicably.

Yesterday, Raila said he would not engage President Kibaki in public but he would seek diplomatic means since the president may have been misled.

"Mimi sitaki kupigana na Kibaki hadharani nataka kusuluhisha haya maneno kiungwana (It is not my wish to attack Kibaki in public. We will meet and solve this issue diplomatically)," said the PM.

President Kibaki nominated Justice Alnashir Visram to the position of Chief Justice, Prof Githu Muigai as the Attorney General, Kioko Kilukumi as Director of Public Prosecutions and Mr William Kirwa as Controller of Budget. Immediately after the announcement, the PM insisted no consultations had been made. Parliament will vet the nominees before they assume office.

Raila said it was wrong to propose the name of a chief justice without going through the vetting process adding there is no hurry to replace Amos Wako.

"The AG still has a job so there is no hurry to appoint another one. His tenure has not expired. The women have also been sidelined yet they are also learned. If we talk with Kibaki, we will agree. Amepotoshwa! (he has been misled). Where there is a will there is a way," he said.

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Addressing a rally in Makongeni, Nairobi, Raila said discriminatin women is unconstitutional.

Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang said ODM would "use both political and constitutional means to reverse the appointments." He said all public appointments should be made in consultation with the PM.

Kajwang said if the anomaly is not rectified, Kibaki might appoint commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to gain advantage in 2012 elections.

Lands Minister James Orengo said Kibaki should realise the new Constitution bestowed power on the people of Kenya and no one should go against the people’s wish.

"The path Kibaki has taken is unlawful, unconstitutional and ill-advised," said the Ugenya MP. The same sentiments were echoed by Nairobi Metropolitan Assistant Minister, Elizabeth Ongoro, Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo and nominated MP Rachael Shebesh.

Raila said it was imperative the implementation of the Constitution begins on the right footing. The PM also asked Kenyans to reject tribal politics propagated by the KKK alliance. He also dismissed generational change as championed by certain politicians.