We've received 1,300 submissions against CS nominees - Speaker Wetang'ula

Moses Wetang'ula, Speaker of the National Assembly, revealed that the Appointing Committee charged with vetting cabinet secretary nominees had received 1,300 submissions against the individuals.

On Thursday, Wetang'ula noted that the submissions were against the suitability of the nominees.

"As of Thursday morning, the committee has received over 1,300 submissions," he said before starting the vetting process.

Out of the 1,300, Wetang'ula, who is also the Appointment Committee Chairperson, said that 1,087 of the submissions were according to Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011.

The Speaker highlighted that the rest of the submissions generally opposed the appointment of more than one nominee, and some were unrelated to the vetting exercise.

"Those unrelated people simply said I reject, I oppose, and they are unsuitable, without any reason and not in compliance with the law," Wetang'ula added.

Regardless, the Speaker assured Kenyans that the Appointment Committee will thoroughly scrutinise each submission made by the public against the nominees.

Last week, on Tuesday, President William Ruto officially submitted to the National Assembly the names of the cabinet nominees for consideration and approval by the House.

As a result, Samuel Njoroge, Clerk of the National Assembly, in compliance with Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F invited Kenyans to submit their views on the cabinet secretary nominees.

The Act provides that any person may, prior to the approval hearing and by written statement on oath, provide the clerk with evidence contesting the suitability of a candidate to hold the office to which the candidate has been nominated.

"In accordance with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011, the Clerk of the National Assembly hereby invites members of the public to submit any representations they may have by way of a written statement on oath (affidavit) with supporting evidence contesting the suitability of any nominee proposed for appointment.

The representations may be forwarded to the Clerk's address of P.O. BOX 41842-00100, Nairobi; hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi; or emailed to [email protected] and appointments, [email protected].

Kenyans had until July 31, 2024, at 5 p.m. to forward their submissions ahead of the vetting process, which started today, August 1, 2024.