PNU rebuffs claims by ODM

Written By:Sylvester Rono ,    Posted: Thu, Jan 06, 2011

Once again political theatrics is taking centre stage in the fight against corruption as partners in the Grand Coalition government engage in accusations and counter accusations.

A section of Party of National Unity-PNU- legislators have accused their Orange Democratic Movement -ODM counterparts of condoning corruption and impunity by defending Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey who is facing abuse of office charges.

Addressing the press Thursday after seven ODM MPs accused the Kenya Anti- Corruption Commission of double standards in the war on graft, PNU MPs led by Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama termed threats to dissolve KACC as careless and retrogressive step in the fight against corruption.

Muthama said they will resist any attempts to Censure KACC director PLO Lumumba as well efforts to disband the anti-graft body. 

He said that KACC is mandated to fight graft and impunity in the country and should get the support of all the stakeholders.

He added that corrupt individuals should carry their own cross regardless of their position in society or political affiliation.

The legislators accused ODM for violating the new constitution by encouraging impunity.

On Thursday, ODM Mps had alleged bias in the war against graft and issued a 2 week ultimatum to the Kenya Anti-corruption commission czar PLO Lumumba to prosecute cases involving members of their coalition Partner in PNU or risk being censured once parliament resumes.

Meanwhile Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi who is also PNU chairman has warned against politicizing the war on corruption saying it may undermine the independence of the Kenya Anti-Corruption body.

Attention will now be focused on the outgoing Attorney General Amos Wako who on Thursday revealed he has only seen Kosgey's file but is ready to peruse and make appropriate recommendation on three other cabinet ministers being investigated, should KACC forward their files to him. 

For now a show down appears likely, once parliament resumes with the two coalition partners pulling in different directions in the war against corruption.