The United States government has finally told us that Attorney General Amos Wako (EGH, EBS, SC, MP) is the public official who has been banned from setting foot on American soil over his supposed role in frustrating reforms in Kenya.
I am aware that the government’s principal legal advisor does not perform his duties from Los Angeles or Atlanta, but the action by the United States, in my view, justifies what the AG has all along been asked to do – charmingly vacate office.
Mr Wako, 64, has been in office for close to two decades (he was appointed on May 13, 1991). During that period, serious doubts have been raised about the manner in which he has prosecuted – or even terminated – cases before the courts.
Those in power have never known Mr Wako to unsettle their comfort. They have always felt protected in his hands.
Even before Justice Aaron Ringera left office, he told us it was Mr Wako who was frustrating the fight against corruption.
Many expected that Mr Wako would take cue from Justice Ringera and smile his way out of the State Law office but he refuses to do so.
Mr Wako knows full well that the process of removing him from office is an elaborate one and that is why he refuses to leave. I don’t think Amos Wako needs to take the country through the rigours of establishing a Tribunal to investigate the obvious. His performance as AG has been dismal to warrant his exit.
When Philip Alston produced his report, among the offices he wanted reformed was that of the Attorney General, and the Judiciary among others.
So let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. We urgently need judicial and other institutional reforms to restore faith in the country’s justice system.
On the other hand, why haven’t any of our MPs introduced amendments to the law to give the AG limits to his – or her – term? Or do they fear he may have a file on them which he can open at will?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Michael Mumo-Capital FM
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