Kaparo likely to replace Mzalendo Kibunjia at NCIC

Former House Speaker and Marsabit Peace Process Committe Co-chair Francis ole Kaparo addresses the Press in Nairobi. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

Nairobi, Kenya: The National Assembly is tomorrow expected to approve a list of 15 nominees to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

The House will debate and thereafter either adopt or reject the names submitted by the Justice and Legal Affairs committee that interviewed 32 shortlisted individuals.

Justice Committee Chairman Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi) who spoke to The Standard on phone confirmed around 250 persons applied to fill the 15 commissioners' slots and 186 were locked out on technicalities.

"We received about 250 applications, out of which 186 were dropped. We remained with 64 individuals, who again we narrowed to 32 who were invited for interviews," said Chepkonga.

The House is expected to approve nine names, which will be forwarded to the President for appointment of eight commissioners and a chair.

Those shortlisted include former House Speaker Francis ole Kaparo, former NCIC Vice-Chairperson Millie Lwanga and Commissioner Alice Nderitu. There is a high possibility that Kaparo is set to take over as NCIC chairman, going by his role in the run up to last year's General Election.

Kaparo is favoured to lead the commission owing to his closeness to the Jubilee government and also a member of Deputy President William Ruto's United Republican Party (URP), which is an alliance partner. Kaparo is among big shots in Jubilee set to get Public Service jobs after Jubilee took over power.

Former leaders Mzalendo Kibunjia (commission chairman), Fatuma Mohammed (commissioner), Tecla Namachanja (Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission chairperson) and Albert Ekirapa (Teso MP) were among those interviewed but never made it to the final list.

Other nominees include Morris Nzoro, Rose Macharia Mghoi, Dr Roba Sharamo, Ann Muntiva Kyalo, Irene Wanjoike, Adan Abdi Mohammed, Erick Oluoch Ojwang, Alasa Osman Hirsi, Belinda Akoth Ochiel, Irene Masit, Dr Joseph Nasongo and Prof Gitili Naituli.