Wetangula: Kenyatta is wrong on appointment of Chief Justice

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) co-principal and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula has faulted President Uhuru Kenyatta for signing into law the Miscellaneous Amendment Act 2015 that gives him express authority to appoint the Chief Justice.

Wetangula, who is also the Bungoma Senator, said that by the President appointing the Chief Justice, he compromises the quality of work and integrity of the Office of the President of Judiciary.

Wetangula, who also doubles up as the Senate Minority Leader, alleges that several Parliamentarians, who are inclined to the Jubilee Administration, went to State House to discuss the Bill and an abrupt session was convened by the Speaker to deliberate on it.

“They (Jubilee Parliamentarians) went to State House and after agreeing secretly, a Gazette Notice was issued when we were on recess that we sit the following day,” said Wetangula.

“By passing such a law, it means the Constitution has been violated.”

Wetangula argues that the new constitution insulated public officers from executive control.

“If you are hired through an executive process, the independence of the office you hold will be under undue influence,” added the Bungoma Senator.

“The manner in which you assume office determines your ability to work freely.”

Wetangula, who was appearing on Citizen TV’s Power Breakfast show, lauded the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for moving to court to challenge that legislation.

He said CORD is also contemplating on applying to be enjoined in the case.

At the same time, he has challenged the government to adequately fund the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) so that it carries out its mandate effectively.

“The IEBC must be given sufficient budgetary allocation for voter registration,” said Wetangula.

He echoed CORD leader Raila Odinga’s sentiments that the opposition should be mentally alert to avoid any cases of planned rigging of elections in 2017.

“Let us sit down and see how we can make IEBC better.”

CORD has previously expressed fear that Jubilee is planning to rig the elections should it lose in 2017, claims that the ruling coalition has dismissed saying that the opposition is afraid of competition.