NAIROBI, Feb 21 – Kenya’s chief justice Willy Mutunga said he has received threats from the outlawed Mungiki veterans group which have also been directed at other judges and foreign ambassadors. Mutunga claimed a threatening letter warns against an adverse court ruling on the candidacies of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto for the offices of president and vice-president respectively in the March 4 general election.
The court is due to hear cases seeking to declare the two ineligible to contest the elections due to cases pending against them at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague for crimes against humanity in relation to the violence which killed hundreds following the previous general election of Dec 27, 2007.
“The letter dated Wednesday Feb 13, 2013 makes all manner of threats against the Judges, ambassadors and my person. It warns against an adversarial ruling on the presidential and deputy presidential candidacy of Kenyatta and Ruto. The
letter extols the violent ‘exploits’ of the Mungiki movement and threatens dire consequences,” Mutunga said.
The chief justice further implicated the Head of Public Service, Francis Kimemia, saying his attempt to block him from travelling outside the country was politically motivated.
“This letter was posted only a day before my departure to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where I had been invited to a one-day event to share my thoughts and experiences on Kenya’s constitutional experience,” he said.
“I was stopped at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by an Immigration Officer, who said I could not travel as I had not been cleared by Francis Kimemia, the Permanent Secretary, Head of Public Service, and Secretary to the Cabinet.
“I told the official there is no constitutional, statutory or policy basis that provides for the Chief Justice of the Republic to seek clearance to travel from the Head of Civil Service or anyone.”
Mutunga said attempts to subvert justice will fail and he is ready to sacrifice his life in defense of the Constitution.
“I have given most of my life to a better Kenya and if taking it is what will be required to consolidate and secure our democratic gains in this election, or even thereafter, that is a price I am not afraid to pay,” he said.
BERNAMA
