Report says Kanu MP's want CBK boss sacked

Source: East African Standard

Fifteen Kanu MPs from the Rift Valley have called for the sacking of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Mr Governor Nahashon Nyagah over the collapse of Euro Bank.

The MPs called for a tribunal to investigate Nyagah in connection with the controversial Sh256 million National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deposit held in the now-closed bank.

The Nairobi-based bank was placed under liquidation after its deposit liabilities shot to Sh1.8 billion.

Mr Joseph Lagat Kipchumba (Eldoret East) said Nyagah should be investigated and forced to resign the way the Government replaced Chief Justice Bernard Chunga.

He said it was now becoming clear that the State was protecting some individuals whom they referred as "Mt Kenya Mafia" while sacking others from the Government.

The legislator made the remarks in Bomet constituency during a ceremony to celebrate the victory of area MP Nick Salat in last year's General Election.

"If Nyagah is spared by the Narc Government then we will come to the conclusion that the system is practising witch-hunting by sacking members of the Kalenjin community," he added.

Fourteen Kanu MPs from the Rift valley Province were yesterday reported as threatening to agitate for majimbo claiming the Narc Government was victimising the Kalenjin community. Other MPs present during the function included Mr Moses Cheboi (Kuresoi), Mr Anthony Kimetto (Sotik), Mr John Koech Chepalungu), Mr Samwel Moroto (Kapenguria), Mr Sammy Koech (Konoin), Mr Gideon Moi (Baringo Central), Mr Charles Keter (Belgut), Mr David Koros (Eldoret South) Mr Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine, Dr Sammy Ruto ( Kipkelion), Mr Paul Sang (Buret) and Mr John Serut (Mt Elgon).

Serut appealed to the Government to stop recycling civil servants and consider employing young and energetic professionals.

"Why is the Government recycling retired civil servants yet we are not short of professionals to occupy such key positions?" he asked.

Serut challenged the Government to consider building schools in Mt Elgon District, saying funds raised by the previous regime benefited people from Bungoma District.

Sang took issue with the government for failing to nominate and appoint one member from the Kalenjin community to the Cabinet much in the same way former President Moi's regime nominated and appointed Mr Joseph Kamotho to the Cabinet.

But the Minister of State in charge of Internal Security and the Provincial Administration Dr Chris Murungaru told off the clique of Kanu MPs who threatened to declare Rift Valley a state of its own.

Murungaru said the MPs are arousing tribal sentiments as a way of covering up their past misdeeds. He added that Kenya is a unitary state and can only revert to a federal system if the Constitution is changed and told the MPs to stop using majimboism to silence other tribes.

He told the disgruntled MPs to present their sentiments to the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) that should they feel dissatisfied with the current system of government.

Murungaru was speaking in Nyeri town during celebrations to mark the Scouts and Girl Guides movement's Founders Day.

Among those who attended the ceremony was the Chief Commissioner of Scouts Mr Julius Sunkuli, Kenya Girl Guides Commissioner Mrs Margaret Mwaniki, Chief Scout Mr Jeremiah Nyagah, area commissioner Mr G Kimita, Central PC Mr Peter Raburu, Nyeri DC Mr David Jakaiti, Nyeri Town MP P G Muriithi and the town's mayor Wanyaga Gathaka.

Murungaru warned of dire consequences for any person using majimboism as a way of threatening or causing instability in the country.

He accused the MPs of wanting to initiate tribal clashes which, he said, the Government will not tolerate.

"We already know what that group wants to initiate and their intentions have already been spelt out. We are prepared to counter such moves at whatever cost," he warned.

Also, Cabinet Minister Najib Balala dismissed as "rubbish politics", the MPs' separationist threat.

Balala, the Minister for Gender, Sports, Culture, and Social Services, told the MPs to accept the reality that they are still detached from their constituents, a matter he said cost them dearly in the last General Election.

"Cessation is a dream that will never happen," said the minister.

He also cautioned the MPs against causing disunity in the country through their careless utterances.

"They should speak the truth, and it is that they have lost the trust the people had in them. Rift Valley is the most under-developed region of the country where agricultural activity has stagnated," said the Balala.

Balala had just participated in the "Walk the Talk" event, organised by the Aga Khan Foundation in Kenya to raise funds to various causes called for streamlining of harambees.

The minister said that in the past chiefs and district officers would give permits for collection of money that ended up not being used for the causes it was intended for.

He denied that there were any divisions within the Narc, saying that Cabinet appointments have been all-inclusive. He reiterated that Narc is intact and that members are in touch with President Kibaki constantly.

Speaking on an array of issues, Balala said some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will have to close down as the international community has shown a willingness to support the Government directly.

Mrs Shehnavaz Talib, explained that in the "Walk the Talk" event had 21 corporate companies supporting it. Through the event, participants are made to answer questions as they walk from one booth to the next.

The funds raised will go to assisting rural enhancement projects, education and young professionals development.