A Close Encounter with Dr. Willy Mutunga

He had a distinguished career as a law lecturer at the University of Nairobi in the 1980’s, has actively engaged in the political reform movement for over two decades, and was LSK Chairperson in 1993-95 after serving previously in various capacities including vice-chair (1991-93). He was also a leader in the Citizens Coalition for Constitutional Change (4 C’s), later giving rise to NCEC. So his reform credentials cannot be questioned.

He was Executive Director of Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) from 1998, and had previously co-founded it with Maina Kiai in 1993. He was part of the Kenya Alliance for Change, which led effort to form an opposition alliance, eventually NARC, in the sunset years of Moi’s regime. After 2002 elections, Mutunga was appointed by President Kibaki to the Council of Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT), but he declined the position, explaining that he did not consider himself qualified for the position and also that the President had not consulted him before making the appointment.

He wears an earring, and if asked to choose between the earring and the CJ’s position, he would choose the former. He states that he wears the earring not because of his sexuality but spirituality. He says he is attached to it the way a Catholic is attached to a crucifix.

He started off as a practitioner of African traditional religion, became a Catholic, Protestant and now is a Muslim although he still follows his ancestors. In fact, he says it is his ancestors who instructed him in 2003 to wear the earring as a connection to them so that they can protect him. Since then he has religiously followed the direction.

He states that he is not gay, and neither is he homophobic. He is a father of four. He has been married twice and is currently engaged in divorce proceedings in relation to his second marriage. All his four children are from his first marriage.

Courtesy of Daily Nation