Country’s Reform Agenda At Stake

29 May 2011

editorial

Nairobi — Looking at Kenya’s political happenings over the past few weeks leaves an impression that a section of politicians are bent on slowing down the reforms agenda, especially in clearing the vetting of the chief Justice, his deputy and the director of public prosecution.

With the impending 2012 elections, it seems our politicians have vested political interests. Sadly, their actions could scuttle the implementation of the new constitution altogether. Already, Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo, has warned Parliament will not meet the August deadline for implementing key sections of the constitution.

Having voted overwhelmingly for the new constitution, Kenyans handed over the task to parliament to carry out the relevant legislation. But politicians are instead putting their interest before that of the nation. The war over the control of the parliamentary committee on Justice and Legal Affairs is regrettable. It raises questions whether some politicians want to use the committee to overturn the appointment of the designated chief justice and his deputy. A delay in the implementation of the new constitution could see a repeat of the 2008 violence.

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