The leaders have criticised the nomination of former Ministers Najib Balala and Charity Ngilu to the Cabinet. Both unsuccessfully contested the positions of Senators in Mombasa and Kitui Counties respectively/FELIX MAGARA
The leaders have criticised the nomination of former Ministers Najib Balala and Charity Ngilu to the Cabinet. Both unsuccessfully contested the positions of Senators in Mombasa and Kitui Counties respectively.
Kajiado Central Member of the National Assembly Joseph Nkaissery led members from the Maa Community is rejecting the list, saying the nomination portrayed President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto as untrustworthy leaders.
“The community where the [resident comes from has four slots and that of the deputy president has three slots. Where is the face of Kenya in this? They also told the country they will not bring politicians to the Cabinet yet they go bring the worst of politicians,” said Nkaissery.
Nkaissery, who is a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, said he would lobby other members to reject the 16 nominees unless the president and his deputy move fast to address the inequality.
The committee is expected vet the nominees and present its report to the House for adoption or rejection.
“I’ll talk with my colleagues in the appointments committee to reject the names, but if tyranny of numbers would carry the day then Kenyans will speak,” said Nkaissery.
“It is incumbent upon Kenyatta to carry the country along, because the country is not peaceful, it is just calm,” he added.
Gideon Konchella (Kilgoris) questioned the calibre of the two politicians nominated by the president.
“The president and deputy president also promised they won’t appoint politicians, but some of those appointed are the most corrupt, so it is like business as usual,” said Konchella.
Samburu East MP Raphael Letimalo said it was necessary that the country’s 42 tribes to be represented in the appointments of the Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries.
Deputy Leader of the Minority Party in the National Assembly Jakoyo Midiwo (also a member of the committee) questioned the integrity of Cabinet Secretary nominee for the post of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (Ngilu) saying she has a pending investigation with the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission.
“We will get everything about them and we want the public to participate in their vetting,” Midiwo told a news conference at Parliament’s Media Centre.
He asked Kenyatta to revise the list if he is intent on carrying the country along with him.
“The list of nominees shows insensitivity, they need to revise the list. If it is a Cabinet of two regions then the president is not willing to unite the country. This can’t be a community affair it must be a national affair,” said the Gem Member of the National Assembly.
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