Former Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende (pictured) is among seven candidates shortlisted for the position for the Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). Others included former World Council of Churches General Secretary Reverend Samuel Kobia and former Kenyan envoy to Nigeria Francis Sigei/FILE – KPLC
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 4 – Former Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende, former World Council of Churches General Secretary Reverend Samuel Kobia and former Kenyan envoy to Nigeria Francis Sigei are among seven Kenyans shortlisted for the position for the Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
NCIC Selection Panel Chairperson Priscilla Nyokabi says former National Cohesion Secretary in the Ministry of Justice Michael Ndung’u, former MPs Amina Abdallah (Nominated), Abdirahman Hassan (Wajir Senator) and Humphrey Njuguna (Gatanga) complete the list. A total of 58 applicants had expressed interest.
Nyokabi says the applicants be required to present themselves before the panel on Monday.
The Panel has further shortlisted 59 applicants for the positions of member of the Commission which was established in a bid to realize long lasting peace, promote cohesion and sustainable development.
According to a schedule in Friday’s newspapers, the applicants have been lined up to appear before the Panel between Monday and Friday at the Public Commission Service (PSC) along the Harambee Avenue.
The shortlisted candidates have been reminded to bring with them the originals of their testimonials and certificates, including their national identity card, valid clearance certificates from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and Kenya Revenue Authority.
The Panel has set Friday next week as the deadline for which members of the public to submit their oral or sworn affidavits either in support or in opposition to the application for the shortlisted applicants.
The process of replacing the Chairperson and commissioners of the NCIC commenced after term of the current office led by for National Assembly Speaker Francis ole Kaparo expired in September last year.
An attempt by the National Assembly to replace the commissioners in 2018 was halted by court after 54 candidates were shortlisted, following a petition by activist Okiya Omtatah.
He contended that “recruitment of persons to be appointed to public office is a preserve of the Public Service Commission and the Executive, not Parliament.”
The NCIC Act was amended and gazetted two months ago, paving way for the process to begin afresh.
The Act also requires NCIC commissioners to be picked from among people with deep knowledge and experience in matters relating to race, ethnicity, human relations and public affairs.
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