A lobby group is calling for new vetting of Cabinet and Principal Secretaries affected by the recent reshuffle to dockets for which they were not vetted prior to their appointment by President William Ruto.
The Kenya National Civil Society Centre (KNCSC) has urged President William Ruto and the National Assembly to conduct a new vetting of the eight Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and eight Principal Secretaries (PSs).
The lobby group contended that only through vetting would their reassignment be in accordance with Chapter Six and Article 152 (2) of the Constitution on the procedure for the appointment of Cabinet Secretaries.
According to Kenya National Civil Society Centre (KNCSC) Executive Director Suba Churchill, the appointment of CSs falls under the definition of responsibilities of leadership’ as defined in Article 73 of the Constitution.
“The appointed individuals are to exercise their authority in a manner that is consistent with the purposes and objects of the Constitution; demonstrates respect for the people; brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office; and promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office,” said Mr Suba.
He expressed concern that given the short time, the CSs and PSs served, some of them may not have exercised their authority in a manner consistent with the Constitution’s purposes and objectives.
“Some of them failed to demonstrate respect for the people and promote public confidence in the integrity of the offices that they held as required of them under Article 73 (2) of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity,” said Mr Suba.
He noted that US Representative for Trade Katherine Tais refused to meet former Trade CS Moses Kuria during her visit to the country in mid-July 2023.
The lobby group speculated that this is why President William Ruto appears to have been compelled by circumstances beyond his control to intentionally avoid travelling with the CS during his most recent trip to woo potential investors based in Silicon Valley, United States of America to Kenya.
He added: “Kenyans have a right to know whether the two conspicuous instances had anything to do with real or perceived failure on the part of the CS to demonstrate respect for the people of Kenya, and to promote public confidence in the integrity of the office that Moses Kuria held at the time as the CS for Investment, Trade and Industry.”
Some of the nominees did poorly in interviews during the initial vetting in October of last year.
Although CSs such as Musalia Mudavadi, Rebecca Miano, Alice Wahome, and Peninah Malonza were initially vetted, Mr Suba believes they should be revetted.
“Even though we hold the view that Peninah Malonza should not have been appointed to the Cabinet in the first place, owing to her clueless performance during the interview and in the performance of her duties, she should be given a second chance and be vetted afresh for the Ministry of East African Community, The ASALs and Regional Developments to which she has been moved,” he said.
