MPs back Stephen Isaboke for Broadcasting PS role, urge Ruto to reassign him over GOtv conflict
The vetting panel wants him moved from the Broadcasting and Telecommunications docket, which falls under the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy.
A parliamentary committee is asking President William Ruto to assign Principal Secretary nominee Stephen Isaboke to a different state department other than the one he was vetted for due to a possible conflict of interest.
The vetting panel wants him moved from the Broadcasting and Telecommunications docket, which falls under the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy.
The National Assembly’s Communication, Information and Innovation Committee, chaired by Dagoreti South MP John Kiarie, is backing Isaboke’s appointment but with a condition.
“In order to avert any potential conflict of interest relating to part ownership of GOtv Kenya Limited, the appointing authority reassigns the nominee to a different state department upon taking oath of office,” the committee said in its report to the House.
This recommendation was made after the team reviewed a memorandum submitted by the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture, led by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe.
The PIC-SSAA pointed out that Isaboke has links to GOtv Africa Limited, raising concerns that his new role could interfere with his personal interests.
The committee drew on an earlier decision made by the 12th Parliament’s Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, which had placed a condition during the approval of Mwende Mwinzi’s nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador to South Korea.
She was asked to renounce her US citizenship to avoid a similar conflict, although the recommendation was not followed by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.
As in that case, the recommendation on Isaboke is not legally binding.
If the House agrees with the committee, President Ruto could either reassign him or still appoint him to the original post.
MPs could also choose to strike out the clause, giving the head of state full discretion.
Responding to the concerns, Isaboke said, “I have subsequently issued notice of resignation as director of GOtv Kenya in a bid to address any potential conflict of interest.”
“If approved, I intend to take further steps as to my shareholding. I strongly deny that my nominated position as PS will put me in a position of conflict because I will recuse myself from any decisions touching on this entity. In addition to my resignation, as a director, I intend to review my continued shareholding with GOtv,” he added.
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