Mutula: Amendment to solve election date impasse

Written By:Sylvester Ruto/Lillian Mwendo,    Posted: Fri, Feb 10, 2012

Mutula has cautioned against leaving that decision at the discretion of the two principals Justice and constitutional affairs minister Mutula Kilonzo has maintained that a constitutional amendment to the Election bill 2011 is the only solution to the controversy surrounding the general election date. Mutula says that election date is critical and should not be left for the two principals, President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to decide. He has vowed to present before parliament the constitutional amendment bill seeking to permanently change the election date from the second week of August to the third week of December. Speaking during the ISO certification to his ministry, Mutula said that it is unfortunate that the country is only focusing on a short term solution which he argues might lead the country into a constitutional crisis in future. He wants the election date debate be based on the constitution and not on the court ruling that gave the two principals powers to decide.  The minister's sentiments come only a day after the Independent Election and Boundary Commission - IEBC called on the two principals to dissolve the coalition government by October to pave way for the election to be held in December. Censure motion              Meanwhile, the Minister has shrugged off an alleged plot of a censure motion against him by Members of Parliament allied to Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret MP William Ruto. He termed the threat as an attempt to silence him and vowed to maintain his stand on National issues. It is alleged that MPs who are unhappy with Mutula's call for Uhuru to step down as Deputy Prime Minister following the ICC confirmation of charges are plotting to revive a tax dispute case between Mutula and Kenya Revenue Authority to bring him down.