Consultation over Baraza team rejected

Two commissions have dismissed calls for consultation between the President and Prime Minister on the appointment of a tribunal to investigate suspended Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza.

They said the President was right to act on the recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission to set up the tribunal.

The tribunal is tasked with investigating an incident in which Justice Baraza allegedly threatened a guard at the Village Market. (READ: Baraza case to be heard Monday)

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and Commission on Administrative Justice said the team was properly constituted.

“All actions taken in regard to this matter by the JSC and President are in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” said CAJ chairman Otiende Amollo.

Not been consulted

ODM members have complained over the manner in which President Kibaki established the seven-member tribunal last Wednesday, saying Prime Minister Raila Odinga had not been consulted.

The commissions also criticised a decision by Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta to retain the post after stepping aside as Finance minister.

“We urge him to relinquish the office as the reasons that prevailed upon him to step down equally apply.

“More so, the DPM office attracts a higher threshold of the requisite leadership, integrity and ethical standards,” said Mr Amollo.

The KNCHR chairman, Dr Samuel Tororei, said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should be left to decide whether Mr Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto should vie for the presidency.