The nomination of Peninah Malonza as Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage was unanimously rejected by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah announced in a notice of motion that the Committee chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had approved the nominations of the other 21 Cabinet Secretary nominees.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Article 152 (2), 154 (2) and 156 (2) of the Constitution and Sections 3 and 8 of the Public Appointment Act (2011) this house rejects the appointment of the honourable Peninah Malonza OGW as the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Wildlife and Heritage,” Ichung’wah noted.
In the report by the Vetting Committee, they moved that Malonza lacked did not satisfy them with her responses to some of the questions put before her during the vetting.
“The nominee did not demonstrate knowledge of topical, administrative and technical issues touching on the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage.
“Consequently, she lacks the requisite abilities and experience to serve as the Cabinet Secretary,” the report read in part.
The Committee also approved the nominations of Justin Muturi as Attorney General and Mercy Wanjau as Cabinet Secretary.
Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, on the other hand, stated that the minority had written a minority report rejecting Aisha Jumwa and Mithika Linturi’s nomination.
President William Ruto had appointed Jumwa to the Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action Committee, and Linturi to the Agriculture and Livestock Development Ministry.
Malonza has one more huddle to determine whether she will be in cabinet or not.
Parliament is expected to debate and vote on the Committee on Appointments’ approvals and rejections.
During the vetting process, Malonza, a former Kitui Deputy Governor, revealed her net worth of Sh300 million.
