Karua threatens to quit after being sidelined
Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua on Sunday hinted that she was prepared to quit the coalition government.
“Enough is enough and I am ready to lose my ministerial position, be a backbencher and champion the rights of ordinary Kenyans rather than remain as a toothless minister,’’ said Ms Karua.
Speaking only a few days after President Kibaki swore in five new judges against her advice, Ms Karua said: “If my hands are tied and the Judiciary continues to be used as a place where people sacked from parastatals are recycled, the agenda is forestalled and all reforms are annihilated, then I better leave and fight for the rights of ordinary mwananchi (citizen) .”
Conduct reforms
Ms Karua said she was not prepared to be in charge of a ministry unable to conduct reforms which Kenyans were promised and instead would be comfortable seeking the presidency from a humble position. Ms Karua spoke after attending a church service at the Anglican Church of Kenya Church in Nairobi.
She said fundamental changes could not be achieved because it was now business as usual in government. The combative minister said she rose to prominence from a humble beginning as a lawyer and played a role in the campaign that saw Former President Daniel arap Moi relinquish power.
“I have fought for Kenyans and negotiated the Inter-Parliamentary Political Group law review as an ordinary MP and will not be scared by leaving the ministerial post. I will not serve the interests of a government that does not have the interest of Kenyans at heart.”
Ms Karua said Kenyan politicians were a greedy lot who used the wananchi to champion their cause as in the last poll chaos that saw many die, only for the leaders to re-group and share power.
Share positions
She said her ministry was mandated to bring reforms in the Judiciary, police, electoral commission, Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission and the land issue but when attempting to do so it was stepping on people’s toes. She, therefore, felt it was a mockery for her to remain in the Cabinet.
Ms Karua said when a deal was negotiated to form the grand coalition Government politicians quickly resolved to share positions but had now developed cold feet in addressing issues that are beneficial to the wananchi.