Sounds like the place could use some good community organizers.
Judiciary rot wasn’t caused by an earring, so what’s the fuss?
Posted Sunday, May 22 2011 at 11:12
Since independence, Kenya has been ruled by non-vipuli wearing leaders. Starting from the president going down, the leadership of our institutions has at no time gone to a person wearing an earring.
The rot in the judiciary was not caused by earrings hanging on the ears of the Chief Justice. Yet the country witnessed gross violation of human rights. Political killings, torture and detention all took place under the watch of smartly dressed CJs. Economic saboteurs had a field day hatching scandals such as the Anglo-Leasing, Goldenberg, maize scam and Triton as the judiciary, headed by non-earring-wearers, saw no evil.
For anyone to imply that an earring is the cause of the ills facing our judicial system is to miss the point. The judiciary is not a place for beauty shows; it is involved in the serious business of dispensing justice. The big question for any judge is: Do you have a heart of steel to face those perverting justice?
William Ruto’s assertion that earrings are representative of witchcraft should generate debate among Kenyans. Does Ruto imply all vipuli people are witches?
Many celebrities including footballers, TV stars, movie and stars don earrings. Will Ruto also refer to braids as witchcraft?
We must find a good reason if we are to disqualify Dr Mutunga. At a time when no individual could stand up and challenge the excesses of the despotic Moi regime, Mutunga provided the voice to the voiceless. The law don put his life on the line by criticising the oppressive regime of Kanu. How thankless can we be to this gallant son? Those who benefited from the Kanu era will find it hard to endorse the nomination of Mutunga. But for the comrades in the struggle for reforms, Dr Mutunga is a godsend choice. It is a prayer perfectly answered.
I invite Kenyans to address the matter of nomination to the crucial position with an objective mind. To want to protect partisan interests is to defeat the noble intention of reforming the judiciary. Narrow interests will not get the country anywhere. Kenya is at a turning point that requires leaders to look at the big picture. Dr Mutunga has all the qualities necessary to assume the position of CJ. His record speaks for itself.
theeastafrican.co.ke |
