Priests tried to sway my rulings, AG nominee Kihara claims

Attorney General nominee, Paul Kihara, has claimed that during his tenure as a judge, priests tried to sway him to write judgments favourable to them.

He said the pressure he endured and his resulting toughness is enough evidence to show that he is best suited to serve as Kenya’s next AG.

“You go to church on Sunday and as you are greeting the priest, he embraces you saying; ‘naukumbuke yule ni mtu wetu(remember that is our person)’ referring to a case before me,” he told the National Assembly vetting committee on Thursday.

According to Justice Kihara, challenges such as corruption emanate from lack of honesty and integrity among Kenyan leaders.

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul. That is a challenge for all of us, not just me. It is for every member who holds a position of leadership in this societ,” he said while quoting the Bible.

The vetting team however put Justice Kihara on the spot over alleged misconduct and insubordination during the handling of a court case involving IEBC returning officers in the 2017 elections.

High Court judge George Odunga had ruled that the gazettement of returning officers and their deputies by the electoral commission was illegally done and violated the elections act. Hours later, Justice Kihara constituted a bench to hear an appeal on a public holiday.

In his defense, Justice Kihara said he acted in the best interest of the law and the country, adding that he believes he made the right call.

The vetting panel will now retreat to compile a report to be tabled at the National Assembly. If the MPs approve Justice Kihara’s nomination, the President will formally appoint him as Attorney General.