Opinion: Decorum called for in CEC vetting

Transition in counties is proving more difficult and unruly, laying the ground for a hostile working environment when the exercise is over.

In the past week or so, we have seen the rancorous vetting of county executive committee (CEC) nominees in many county assemblies where decorum and professional courtesy have been thrown out the window.

And yet the 2010 Constitution offers a great opportunity for local populations to have a greater say in the engagement of those who will represent them.

The law introduced many inclusive processes where elected leaders — whether they are MPs or ward representatives — vet those nominated to serve in public office to determine their suitability. Unfortunately, the fight for political turf has superseded the need to have deeper discussions about whether or not the appointed nominees are suitable to serve.

The vetting of nominees begins to become lopsided when those vetting candidates engage in physical confrontation. This was eminently displayed in the Mandera County Assembly when Members of County Assembly (MCAs) fought over the vetting of Governor Ali Roba’s nominees for CEC. 

This is unacceptable.  Even though conflict is expected in the nomination process — as is common in many democracies — the exercise need not turn ugly and degenerate into violence. Let’s hope we can see a lot more decorum going forward.