Michuki: Kibaki has numbers to pass nominees

By Boniface Gikandi and James Munyeki

President Kibaki has numbers in Parliament to push through judicial nominations, Environment Minister John Michuki has said.

Mr Michuki was optimistic that once parliamentary committees report back to Parliament on Thursday as directed by House Speaker Kenneth Marende, pro-Kibaki legislators would approve the names.

Speaking at Marimira village in his Kangema constituency during the burial ceremony of his aunt Hellen Wambui Kuria, Michuki said many MPs were in support of the President and believe he held consultations before nominating the officials.

"As I know the President since my youth he is a straight forward person who believes in the truth without any short cuts. I know after the Speaker receives the reports from the committees on Thursday many of the members of Parliament will vote for it," said Michuki.

ODM members of Parliament allied to Prime Minister Raila Odinga have opposed nominations of Chief Justice Alnashir Visram, Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai, DDP Kioko Kilukumi and Controller of Budget William Kirwa, claiming there were no consultations between the two principals.

"In matters of consultations it does not mean you have to agree on all the issues," said Michuki, adding that the Head of State was allegedly forced to wait for a call from the Prime Minister before he left for Ethiopia.

consultations

Separately, two assistant ministers have welcomed the ruling by Marende on the controversial nominations.

Public Works Assistant Minister Mwangi Kiunjuri and his Industrialisation counterpart Ndiritu Muriithi termed the ruling brilliant.

They said the ruling will pave way for more consultations by members of respective parliamentary committees and present to Kenyans appropriate persons to serve as the Chief Justice, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Controller of Budget.

Speaking in Nyahururu town while opening 4NTE Matatu Sacco offices, they urged the committees to respect the wishes of Kenyans. They accused prominent politicians of playing politics over the nominations.