PHOTO | FILE President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses East Africa Legislative
Assembly members at the National Assembly in Nairobi on November 26,
2013.
NATION MEDIA GROUP
President Uhuru Kenyatta is on record as
stressing that he is a firm believer in the rule of law. His assurance
that he will fully co-operate with the International Criminal Court,
which has indicted him on crimes against humanity charges, has often
been cited as proof of this.
However, recent developments tell another story. This is rather unfortunate, as the President must always show a good example to those he leads. He must, therefore, never be associated with actions that would seem to subvert justice.
The launch of the new railway project is a great development, indeed, as it is bound to have a huge impact on the country’s and the region’s development. However, it was the subject of a court case, which has not yet been determined. Just a little delay would have been better than going ahead with the launch and appearing to disobey the law.
Another worrying indication that the President could be going onto the wrong track is his handling of the controversial media Bill. Indeed, he has been praised for rejecting the proposed law and sending it back to Parliament.
However, recent developments tell another story. This is rather unfortunate, as the President must always show a good example to those he leads. He must, therefore, never be associated with actions that would seem to subvert justice.
The launch of the new railway project is a great development, indeed, as it is bound to have a huge impact on the country’s and the region’s development. However, it was the subject of a court case, which has not yet been determined. Just a little delay would have been better than going ahead with the launch and appearing to disobey the law.
Another worrying indication that the President could be going onto the wrong track is his handling of the controversial media Bill. Indeed, he has been praised for rejecting the proposed law and sending it back to Parliament.
However, he appears to have endorsed or even enhanced the more punitive proposals the media had pointed out to him.
The President has also gone ahead and appointed a tribunal to investigate the conduct of six members of the Judicial Service Commission, again, apparently overlooking the fact that the matter is in court.
What’s more worrying is that he has kept quiet as a Parliament dominated by his Jubilee coalition strikes at the core of the liberties enjoyed by Kenyans, including seeking control over funding of NGOs.
As the custodian of the supreme law of the land, the President must avoid actions and decisions that are bound to enhance impunity.
The President has also gone ahead and appointed a tribunal to investigate the conduct of six members of the Judicial Service Commission, again, apparently overlooking the fact that the matter is in court.
What’s more worrying is that he has kept quiet as a Parliament dominated by his Jubilee coalition strikes at the core of the liberties enjoyed by Kenyans, including seeking control over funding of NGOs.
As the custodian of the supreme law of the land, the President must avoid actions and decisions that are bound to enhance impunity.
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