Nairobi — Two more ministers should be investigated for abuse of office, leaders said at the weekend.

An assistant minister Mwangi Kiunjuri and three MPs demanded separately that Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang and deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta be probed.

But, calls to investigate Mr Kajwang over claims of impropriety were however vehemently opposed by his colleagues Fred Gumo and Noah Wekesa who absolved him of any wrongdoing.

And, Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba wants Mr Kenyatta probed over the nomination fiasco of councillors.

Those calling for investigations into the Immigration Minister included ODM's Joshua Kutuny and Luka Kigen, and Ford Kenya chairman Musikari Kombo.

Work permits

Mr Kiunjuri, the Water and Irrigation assistant minister, said that Mr Kajwang, who is accused of issuing work permits to foreigners, should face a commission of inquiry just like former Finance minister Amos Kimunya.

"A commission of inquiry should be formed to look into the activities of the Immigration minister," he said during a prize-giving day at Moi Equator Girls Secondary School in Nyeri North district.

A commission of inquiry headed by Justice (Rtd) Majid Cockar has been formed to probe the sale of Grand Regency hotel, that compelled Mr Kimunya to resign from office.

Last week, Mr Kajwang defended himself against accusations that he issued work permits to foreigners whose professions are available locally.

Mr Kutuny of Cherangany and his Rongai counterpart, Mr Kigen, asked the Immigration minister to take a bold move and resign before being humiliated should he be found to have acted against the law in approving the work permits.

The two ODM MPs also cautioned ministers against misusing their positions.

And the Rongai MP told Mr Kajwang to be ready to pack up and leave should he be found to have contravened the law. "He should not wait like (Mr) Kimunya" said Mr Kigen.

Speaking in Kimilili during the victory party for area MP Simiyu Eseli, Mr Kombo a PNU Nominated MP, differed with Mr Gumo and said the Immigration minister must be investigated.

Dr Eseli, the only Ford-K MP, defeated former Trade minister Dr Mukhisa Kituyi in the last General Election.

Mr Kombo, who is a member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, said investigations were necessary to clear one's name.

"We have to hold the president to his word on war against corruption, when he said any one found to be corrupt must step aside," he said.

However, Mr Gumo who had spoken earlier, said Mr Kajwang did nothing wrong by issuing the permits to individuals so long as no money changed hands.

"Illegal immigrants have always been issued with permits before Kajwang got into that office, and more so he was just exercising his powers," he said.

But he castigated his cabinet colleagues who misuse their positions.

In attendance were Foreign affairs minister Moses Wetang'ula and Lands assistant minister Bifwoli Wakoli.

In Mombasa, Mr Namwamba said Mr Kenyatta, the Trade minister, should also be investigated over the nomination of councillors during his short stint at the Local authorities docket.

Mr Namwamba said Mr Kenyatta acted in disregard of the law in nominating councillors who did not qualify.

"Some councils have more councillors than was required forcing them to incur extra costs in paying them instead of providing services to residents," he added.

Reports by Luke Kapchanga, Kibiwott Koross, Mazera Ndurya and KNA