Joho opposes lawsuit challenging his appointment as Mining CS

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has defended his appointment, asserting that he possesses the necessary educational qualifications for the role, countering claims in a lawsuit filed by Genesis for Human Rights. 

Joho stated that he holds a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education from Serani Secondary School, as well as a certificate in business administration and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Kampala University in Uganda.

He further insisted that he holds a public leadership credential from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

The former Mombasa Governor was responding to a lawsuit filed by the organisation, Genesis for Human Rights, saying he was unsuitable to be a member of President William Ruto’s Cabinet. 

Other than his education credentials, which Joho argued were cleared by the Commission of University Education, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the court, the organisation alleged that the CS violated Chapter 6 of the Constitution. 

The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides, under Chapter 6, for the leadership and integrity of all public officers.

According to the organisation, the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments did not disclose memoranda bearing evidence of Joho’s unsuitability to hold the top office. 

Joho, however, countered, stating that the allegations were flimsy as the petitioner failed to highlight clear evidence highlighting any violation of the Constitution. 

“The petitioner has not pointed out anything that was either unprocedurally or illegally done by any of the respondents (Parliament), including the interested party (Mr. Joho),” he argued, challenging the petition to be thrown out of court. 

High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi has scheduled the case to be mentioned for directions on October 17.

CS Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs before the National Assembly's Committee on Appointments on August 4, 2024. (Photo: National Assembly)