MPs fury over plans to honour Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku

A section of legislators yesterday protested against the government’s decision to include the name of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku in the list of the proposed nominees for award for distinguished service.

ODM Political Affairs designate Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja) warned that honouring Mr Lenku is an abuse of the whole idea of State honour.

“It is tantamount to official glorification of great incompetence. An insult to millions of Kenyans who are enduring insecurity of unprecedented scale,” said Mr Wandayi.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, claimed that the policy of Jubilee administration is insecurity and Lenku has ensured the country is insecure.
“He, therefore, deserves the highest commendation of the Jubilee administration for delivering in that front,” said Kaluma.

The CS is among 14 nominees for the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH) award. The Government published the names  yesterday. The proposal comes as pressure continues to pile on President Uhuru Kenyatta to sack Lenku over rampant insecurity in the country.

The list of 103 nominees includes First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, who was last month recognsied by the United Nations as Person of the Year for her efforts to improve maternal health dubbed’ Beyond Zero Campaign’. Ms Kenyatta has been nominated for Senior Elder of the Golden Heart. Also lined up for the same award is Ms Rachel Ruto, who promotes table banking.

The Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Willy Mutunga, has been nominated for Senior Elder of the Golden Heart award. Other Supreme Court judges will all be conferred with Moran of the Golden Heart. Personnel in the Defence and Internal Security ministries dominate nominees, for awards.