STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT HON. MWAI KIBAKI, WHILE ANNOUNCING HIS ACCEPTANCE OF REQUESTS BY HON. PROF. GEORGE SAITOTI AND HON. KIRAITU MURUNGI TO STEP ASIDE FROM THEIR MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Fellow Kenyans,

Further to the statement I released to the media on Thursday 9th February, 2006 and after careful consideration, I have today accepted the request by Professor George Saitoti to step aside for his responsibilities as Minister for Education in order to pave the way for investigations into the issues raised in the Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Goldenberg Affair.

I have accepted the request by Hon. Kiraitu Murungi to step aside from his responsibilities as the Minister for Energy in order to allow full investigations into allegations made against him in regard to the Anglo Leasing affair.

I urge all Kenyans to exercise patience as the relevant arms of law carry out investigations into these issues.

Thank you.

19:40 HRS - East African Time