NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8 – The Party of National Unity (PNU) and Orange Democratic Movement – Kenya (ODM-K) on Thursday came to the defense of Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura amid rising pressure from partners in the Grand Coalition government, ODM.
PNU/ODM-K Media Liaison Committee chairman John Mututho said it was wrong for leaders to politicise the public service.
“Those calling for (Muthaura) to be made to act under a different office need to understand that it is a constitutional and not a political office,” said the Naivasha Member of Parliament after the committee held a meeting at Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka’s office.
His view was backed by Nairobi Metropolitan Minister and ODM-K Secretary General Mutula Kilonzo who also said that too much is being read into the “debate” over who Muthaura should work under.
“Kenyans should not confuse the ongoing debate over the chief secretary with a crisis in the coalition,” said Mr Kilonzo.
“Muthaura’s position is protected by the Kenyan constitution and any individual who has a problem with its current set up should follow the statutes to address that issue,” he added.
The commitee which was constituted on Wednesday to oversee relations between PNU and the media said that they have been instructed by the Vice President to work with the media houses and other stakeholders including representatives of other political parties to iron out the contentious issues of the Communications Act and form a consensus that could lead to its amendment once Parliament reopens.
They said that they will spearhead the passing of the amendments once they are brought before the House.
At the same time the committee lauded President Mwai Kibaki for directing the Attorney General and the Minister for Information to study the issues raised by the Media owners on the Act and make appropriate recommendations.
Mr Mututho said the team will work closely with all stakeholders in the media to ensure that the relationship between the sector and parliamentarians is amicable.
“As a team, we will be the friends of the media, and we look upon you to help us in addressing the issues that face Kenyans,” Mr Mututho said.
The committee also called for the immediate resettlement of all IDPs.
On the famine situation affecting most parts of the country, the team called on the government to declare it a National disaster.
Among those who attended the meeting included Mutula Kilonzo, Cecily Mbarire, Lenny Kivuti (Secretary), James Nyamweya, Nderitu Mureithi, and Nick Salat.
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