Committee approves President Kenyatta’s envoy nominees

The 21 people nominated by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday to represent the country’s missions abroad were close to being appointed after a parliamentary committee gave the thumbs-up

The Defense and Foreign Relations Committee, in a report submitted to the National Assembly, recommended that the House of Representatives confirm all 21 nominees.

“After considering the suitability, efficiency and integrity of the candidates, the committee recommends that the National Assembly approve the nomination and subsequent appointment by the President,” the report reads.

Evidenced Experience

The committee noted that the nominees have demonstrated their experience in accordance with the requirements of the law and that none of them in the last three cases in court or mentioned negatively in a parliamentary committee report or commission of inquiry years.

“All nominees meet the requirements of the Constitution by not intending to be a engage in other gainful employment.

All nominees hold no office. Each registered political party therefore complies with the provisions of the Constitution,” the committee’s report said.

The committee also noted that none of the candidates were removed from office on this issue of conflicts of interest under leadership and integrity.

What What now stands between them and their appointment as high commissioners and ambassadors to represent the country’s missions abroad is approval by the House of Representatives.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives closed debate on He read the committee’s report with Speaker Justin Muturi, who is expected to question whether the report should be accepted or rejected during the afternoon session of House Thursday.

The list of those to be nominated Envoys include 10 people for Ambassadors, 10 as High Commissioners and two who have been nominated as Permanent Representatives of Kenya to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Intergovernmental Authority and Development (Igad).

< h2>Nominees

Those recommended following a review by the committee chaired by Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tongi include outgoing Secretary of the National Assembly Michael Sialai (Namibia ), former ICT General Secretary Bitange Ndemo (Belgium) and Ms. Mary Mugwanja (Vienna, Austria).

Others are Ms. Muthoni Gichohi (Beijing, China), Mr. Gathoga cheg e (Cuba), Mr. Salim Salim (Djibouti) and Major General A.G. Matiiri (Egypt).

The committee noted that the 2014 case against Dr. Ndemo, in connection with the sale of Malili Ranch Limited property, constitutes an abuse of the criminal justice system and a violation of its constitutional rights and freedoms and safety of persons and the right to legal protection.

The committee’s position is based on the findings of the court that ruled the case against the former PS amounted to selective and therefore discriminatory prosecution and gross abuse of the judicial process, and was repressive and malicious.

The court, therefore, issued orders ordering the continuation of the proceedings against Dr. Ndemo prohibited.

The others are Mr. Clement Kiteme (Angola), Mr. Galma Boru (Indonesia) , Mr. Paul Ndung’u (Mozambique), Maj. Gen. Andrew Ikenye (Nigeria) , Ms Margaret Shava (Netherlands), Ms Amina Abdalla (Sultanate of Oman), Ms Nyambura Kamau (Pakistan), Mr Boniface Mwilu (Qatar) and Ms Michale Oyugi (Spain).

Also recommended for admission are Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Thomas Chepkuto (Somalia), Mr. Leonard Boiyo (Turkey) and M Maj. Gen. (Rtd) George Owinow (Uganda).

The committee also confirmed Prof Richard Bosire (Unesco) and Maj Gen (Rtd) Charles Gituai (Igad).

Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu was among the 21 Individuals nominated by President Kenyatta and informed Parliament of the hearings required prior to their formal appointment.

Dr. Karugu had been nominated for Denmark, but her name was recalled by Foreign Minister Macharia Kamau with a note to the National Assembly that she had been given other duties.

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