Mudavadi vows to stay put in Cabinet as DPM

By MOSES NJAGIH

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has defended his decision to remain in the Cabinet despite relinquishing his ministerial post.

Mudavadi said with his counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, their responsibilities of reconciliation building are anchored in the National Accord.

The two have been urged to resign from Cabinet after relinquishing their ministerial positions, with many arguing they no longer have any specified duties to warrant enjoying hefty perks from public coffers.

Uhuru quit as Finance minister after he was formally charged at International Criminal Court with crimes against humanity while Mudavadi resigned from the Local Government ministry after leaving ODM.

Wednesday, Mudavadi said apart from performing ministerial duties, there are key duties that he and Uhuru were entrusted with in the National Accord.“In the National Accord, we  are still expected to foster reconciliation efforts. I have been telling people that Kofi Annan, who was the mediator can not come here now due to his engagement in Syria. So, it is upon us to ensure we push the peace agenda, especially as we head to elections,” said Mudavadi.

Next election

The DPM added they also make contributions in Cabinet meetings and sub-committees where they sit, thus are active in Government functions.

The DPM was speaking in Nairobi after meeting Methodist Church of Kenya leaders, led by Bishop Stephen Kanyaru at Methodist Guest House. Mudavadi added that the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IEBC) must now prepare effectively for the next election after the court ruled on the poll date.

Mudavadi said while it would have been good for IEBC to adopt the biometric voter registration, the system must first be tested to ensure it meets credibility standards.

“Of course the ideal situation would have been the electronic system, but if the IEBC is not ready, it would be dangerous to go for something that is not tested and which does not enjoy the support of Kenyans,” said the DPM.

Mudavadi further called for extensive consultations on key constitutional implementation Bills, which are yet to be enacted even as the August 27 deadline nears.