Africa-Press – Kenya. The Committee on Appointments has defended itself against allegations of ignoring public input during the approval hearings for Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney General.
The committee, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, emphasised that public participation was thorough during the exercise.
The committee clarified that all affidavits and memoranda submitted by the public were carefully scrutinised and dismissed claims that any were disregarded.
While moving a special motion on the consideration of nominees Beatrice Askul and Ms. Dorcas Agik for appointment as Cabinet Secretary for EAC Affairs and Regional Development, and Attorney General, respectively, Leader of the Minority Party Junet Mohamed stated that the committee received four memoranda—one hand-delivered and three submitted by email for the two.
“Out of the memoranda submitted, only one complied with Section 6(9) of the Act while three were not in the form of the affidavits and hence did not meet the requisite threshold,” said Junet, a member of the committee.
“It is noteworthy for memoranda that did not meet the requirement of the law, the committee converted them into questions and the members examined the nominees on all the questions from the public as evidenced on the report.”
Junet stressed that the nominees were drawn from various ethnic groups, including marginalized communities, representing Kenya’s diverse population.
“I participated also in the vetting of the nominees and I can tell this House without fear of contradiction, that this is now the real example of women that can lead this country. Distinguished women, women who have prospered in their career,” Junet said.
Seconding the motion, Deputy Leader of the Majority Party Owen Baya, expressed gratitude to Kenyans who participated in the approval hearings by submitting memoranda and affidavits.
He emphasised that the process has strengthened democracy and constitutionalism in the country.
Addressing claims the committee disregarded the content of public submissions, Baya reaffirmed that public participation was thorough and that the committee fully adhered to the process.
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