Lobby groups praise two for ‘humble move’
What you need to know:
- Activists agree that the duo had done the right thing by vacating office
Civil society organisations have welcomed the resignation of Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura.
Kituo Cha Sheria executive director Priscillah Nyokabi on Thursday said the two had made a “humble decision” by upholding the spirit of the law. She added they now have time to concentrate on cases facing them at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
International Committee of Jurist director George Kegoro said the decision was in “the national interest” and in their own “personal interest”.
Mr James Aggrey Mwamu, the vice-president of the East Africa Law Society said by stepping aside, the two did the right thing.
“They did not have a choice. The odds were stuck against them. The pressure for them to go would have been so high,” said Mr Mwamu.
“We must laud them for the move but we must also understand that they are not guilty yet. They are still suspects,” he said.
He added that their move now puts Attorney-General Githu Muigai, who recently said they didn’t have to resign in an awkward position.
Mr Morris Odhiambo, the President of the National Civil Society Congress also welcomed duo’s move to leave office.
“It’s the right thing. Because of the weight of the charges against them they could not hold public office,” said Mr Odhiambo.
And Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has described the decision by Mr Kenyatta and Mr Muthaura as mature and in the interest of the country.
“Mr Kenyatta and Muthaura have made a mature decision to quit their offices,” Mr Mudavadi said on Thursday in Nandi County.
Separately, the PNU Alliance on Thursday reiterated that Mr Kenyatta will be its presidential candidate despite charges facing him at the ICC.
In a meeting with aspirants for various elective positions, Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi said Mr Kenyatta is their favourite for the top seat.
Co-government Chief Whip Johnstone Muthama dismissed those calling on Mr Kenyatta to be barred from contesting the presidency.
“Even the ICC judges were clear Mr Kenyatta and the others are innocent until proven guilty,” Mr Muthama said.
