By TIMOTHY KEMEI tkemei@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Saturday, March 31 2012 at 22:30
Posted Saturday, March 31 2012 at 22:30
IN SUMMARY
- Newly appointed Justice minister dismisses fears he will be unable to carry out his duties objectively
Newly appointed Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Eugene Wamalwa on Saturday declared that he would continue being a member of the G7 Alliance.
Speaking at his first G7 prayer rally since his appointment to the Cabinet last Monday, Mr Wamalwa dismissed remarks by some leaders and sections of civil society that his G7 membership would hinder him from playing his role effectively as Justice minister.
The Saboti legislator said that the goal of the group was to travel around the country and preach peace, something he argued was part of his work as minister in charge of national cohesion.
“I don’t care what anyone has to say, but I am declaring right here, right now that I am still firmly in G7 and will continue to attend all its meetings. We are working together to ensure that there will be no violence during and after the next General Elections,” he said, speaking at the rally that was held at the Litein sports grounds in Kericho County.
He accused his predecessor at the ministry, Mr Mutula Kilonzo, of politicking with the ICC case facing four Kenyans, including two members of the G7 — Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto.
He added that there will be changes in the manner in which the issue has been handled in the past, to stop focusing on the ICC itself and instead pay more attention to national unity.
“This country has been through difficult times and needs healing. This healing will not come from the International Criminal Court, but from forgiveness and reconciliation. That is why G7 is going around the country asking people to forgive each other and live in peace,” he said.
The minister also hinted that Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto could still seek elective posts in the next elections.
“I recognise the presumption of innocence until the guilt has been proven. No one should refer to anyone else as a murderer or say they had organised post-election violence until it has been proven beyond doubt,” added Mr Wamalwa.
He, however, added that he would follow the law to the letter and ensure that the Constitution was upheld at all times.
Speaking at the rally, Mr Kenyatta thanked President Kibaki for appointing Mr Wamalwa to the Justice docket and expressed his relief at the relocation of Mr Kilonzo to the ministry of Education, accusing him of being “filled with hate” for Mr Ruto and himself.
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