NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 18 – Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is optimistic that the Speaker will allow MPs to thrash out his controversial ruling over the appointments of the Chief Justice, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions and Controller of Budget.
Mr Musyoka said the supremacy of Parliament was critical for governance and members of the House must be allowed to express themselves on such weighty matters of appointments that are crucial in the implementation of the supreme law of the land.
"The supremacy of the National Assembly can\’t be negotiated," he added.
The Vice President made the remarks during a press conference at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport JKIA) on his way to Juba to convey a special message to the President of Southern Sudan and Vice President of Sudan Salva Kiir.
Mr Musyoka commended the people of Southern Sudan for successfully holding a peaceful, referendum, adding that Kenya played a great role in the Comprehensive Peaceful Agreement (CPA) that was signed on 9th January 2005.
He also congratulated the President of Sudan Omar El Bashir for acting as a real African statesman for accepting the results.
At the same time, he disclosed that the Cabinet has agreed to support the government of Southern Sudan with an additional $5million to support its capacity building.
The Vice President added that the government will send 80 top civil servants to Southern Sudan to assist with technical expertise in the new formed government. He said currently over 7,000 Kenyans work in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Musyoka dismissed claims that the government intends to sell the port of Mombasa to private operators.
He said contrary to speculation by some political leaders across the country, the government has not made any decision to privatize the port of Mombasa.
Mr Musyoka noted that such an important decision would require Cabinet approval and Parliament would also need to debate on it.
The Vice President said the Port of Mombasa was a strategic national asset and the government recognizes the importance of retaining it under its direct control.
"Port operations are central and critical to Kenya\’s national development aspirations and realization of Vision 2030 and in this regard plans are already at an advanced stage to establish a new port at Lamu to supplement the port of Mombasa," Mr Musyoka said.
Those accompanying the VP included Minister for Transport, Amb Chirau Ali Mwakwere, Assistant Ministers Lee Kinyanjui (Roads), Abu Chiaba (Fisheries) and Members of Parliament, Walter Nyambati (Kitutu Masaba) and Charles Keter (Belgut).
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