Minister accuses Raila, Kibaki of failing law test

Isaac Walle | NATION Prime Minister Raila Odinga introduces Orange Democratic Movement party candidate in the Ikolomani by-election Bernard Shinali to worshippers at Shiseso Catholic Church where he appealed to the people to vote for him.

By  BOB ODALO and ERICK OLOO
Posted  Sunday, May 8 2011 at 22:00

In Summary

• Mutula claims petty rivalries could derail reforms, as ODM leader says party ready for early elections to end power rows in coalition

A Cabinet minister on Sunday accused President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga of failing to rein in their wrangling troops threatening to derail implementation of the new Constitution.

In a subtle reference to the principals, Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo warned that the ODM and PNU leadership was stoking the coalition disputes by not acting on garrulous and errant members.

“We are seeing a situation where Parliament is being reduced to an arena of discussing petty issues which does not help the country at all. My advice to ODM and PNU leaders is simple: stop these petty politics and stop the shenanigans in Parliament,” the minister said.

He spoke as Mr Odinga declared ODM was ready for a snap election following protracted power tussle in the Coalition.

“We are ready to go for elections... ODM will win the elections if called. The party will go it alone into the elections and those challenging ODM should brace for a political showdown,” Mr Odinga said.

Speaking at a funds drive in his Mbooni constituency, Mr Kilonzo warned time was running out for the process.

“They think that they can dictate which way the country should go, my advice to them is that Kenya is not for PNU alone, nor can it be taken captive by the ODM. The country belongs to all of us and these schemes by politicians will flop.”

The minister faulted the decision by ODM to pull out of the legal and justice committee, saying it would only prolong the standoff between the parties.

“The country has up to August 26 to pass critical Bills and we have only 110 days to pass critical Bills to facilitate smooth implementation of the new document, time is not on our side,” he said.

In Mombasa ODM secretary-general Anyang’ Nyong’o said they were open to discussions to resolve the stalemate.

“We had initially resolved to settle the committee issue out of Parliament but what happened later forced us to pull out because our counterparts were only interested to see the chair out of it,” he added.

Addressing mourners in Ugenya, Mr Odinga claimed that those who opposed the Constitution at the referendum last year had regrouped to scuttle its implementation.

“We voted for the new Constitution to end the over 40 years of misrule by the successive regimes and we will not allow our wish to be washed away since the new Constitution has fundamental changes that can be likened to the difference between day and night,” said the PM.

Mr Odinga dismissed claims the party had been weakened by the alleged defection of rebels to PNU.

“Those leaving ODM party are just like a drop of water in the ocean which cannot shake the strength of the party since a number of supporter are trooping to join the party,” said the PM.

Lands minister James Orengo pledged to ensure full implementation of the Constitution, while Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwa said elections would resolve the coalition disputes.

However, Kibwezi MP Philip Kaloki said Kenyans deserved better than the grandstanding perfected by parliamentarians.

“My challenge to MPs is to put their differences behind and help pass the necessary Bills,” Prof Kaloki said.