Speaker Wetang'ula announces the 20-member team to vet Ruto's CSs

The Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula has announced the formation of a 20-member committee responsible for vetting the newly nominated Cabinet Secretaries by President William Ruto.

The committee, chaired by Speaker Wetangula, will be deputised by Gladys Boss Shollei, with Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah also a member of the vetting team.

The committee includes several Members of Parliament (MPs) from various constituencies. Among them are Abdi Shurie from Balambala, Anthony Kimani from Kikuyu, Robert Mbui from Kathiani, and Owen Baya from Kilifi North. Other members include David Kagira from Nakuru Town East, Rahab Mukami from Nyeri, Dido Raso from Saku, Gitonga Murugara from Tharaka, and Ferdinand Wanyonyi from Kwanza.

Additional MPs joining the committee are Mary Emaase from Teso South, Rahim Dawood from Imenti North, Junet Mohammed from Suna East, Caleb Amisi from Saboti, Stephen Mule from Matungulu, Naisula Lesuuda from Samburu West, David Pkosing from Pokot South, and Mishi Mboko from Likoni.

In a statement, Wetangula emphasised the committee's role in ensuring that only qualified nominees are approved. He highlighted the importance of adhering to legal frameworks, particularly Chapter 6 of the Constitution, which addresses leadership and integrity.

"I have urged the Committee Members to prepare for extensive and meticulous scrutiny of the candidates, emphasizing strict adherence to legal frameworks, particularly Chapter 6 of the Constitution concerning leadership and integrity, to ensure the selection of the most qualified candidates for the positions," said Wetangula.

President William Ruto flanked by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi addresses the nation to announce new Cabinet Secretaries in his government at State House in Nairobi on July 19, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS)

Notably, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, who also serves as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, will not be part of the vetting committee. Wandayi has been nominated by President Ruto as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum and will appear before the committee for his vetting.

Schedule

The committee is set to begin its work with the vetting of Kithure Kindiki, who has been reappointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, and Soipan Tuya, who has been nominated as the Cabinet Secretary for Defense.

The vetting will take place at the Mini-Chamber, County Hall, Parliament Buildings from 8 am next Thursday.

On the second day August 2, 2024, the committee will vet Andrew Mwihia (Agriculture), Aden Duale (Environment), Eric Muuga (Water), Davis Chirchir (Transport) and Margaret Ndung'u (ICT)

On August 3, 2024, John Mbadi (Treasury), Salim Mvurya ( Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Opiyo Wandayi ( Energy) and Kipchumba Murkomen ( Sports) will appear before the committee.

On the fourth and last day August 4, 2024, the committee will vet Hassan Joho ( Mining), Alfred Mutua (Labour), Wycliffe Oparanya (MSMEs), Justin Muturi (Public Service) and Stela Soi (Gender).

Kenyans have until August 1, 2024, to give their views on the nominated CSs before the vetting exercise starts.