Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama has been sworn in as one of the Commissioners of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).
Muthama has taken over the position following his approval by both the National Assembly and the Senate following his appointment and vetting following interviews done in December last year.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted at Parliament buildings yesterday and was presided over by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula who is the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission in attendance of other commissioners.
Commissioners of the Parliamentary Service Commission include; Nominated Senator Joyce Korir who is the Vice Chairperson, Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Nyandarua County MP Faith Gitau.
Other Parliamentary Service Commissioners are; Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Former Kakamega County MP Rachel Ameso and the Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye who is the Secretary to the Commission.
"Now that the Parliamentary Service Commission is fully constituted it is now time that we get down to discharge our duties which is to ensure that the welfare of Members of Parliament is well catered for as per our constitutional mandate," said Wetangula.
He called on the Parliamentary Service Commission to help amicably sort out the differences between the National Assembly and the Senate since they are all houses of Parliament with a core mandate of representing the interests of the citizens.
Wetangula called on the fully constituted commission to work in a non-partisan manner since they were now tasked to serve the interests of all the 416 Members of Parliament who are members of various political parties and they should not narrow down to their respective political affiliations.
He acknowledged the wealth of experience brought about by PSC Commissioners most of whom are serving their second terms in office urging them to work together and make a difference in the manner that the powerful body discharges its mandate.
Muthama said that having served as a Member of the National Assembly and a Senator for many years puts him in a better position to serve as a Member of the Parliamentary Service Commission assuring Parliamentarians that he will champion their interests at all times.
Muthama said that his experience as a Member of Parliament where he at one point served as a Chief Whip prepared him adequately for the assignment as a Commissioner with the Parliamentary Service Commission.
The former Machakos Senator told the committee that he had presided over a free and fair nomination exercise in the ruling party which led to it performing well in the recent general election compared to other parties and would ensure that the commission champions for the welfare of all members of Parliament.
"I believe I have the necessary experience to serve as a Member of the Parliamentary Service Commission with being a Member of Parliament for a long time preparing me adequately for the task ahead," said Muthama.
enyarangi@standardmedia.co.ke
