Anger over Fred Matiang’i’s appointees

Information and Communication Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

By Lonah Kibet and Maureen Abwao

Nairobi, Kenya: Information and Communication Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i is headed for another court battle, this time with players in the information industry.

The impending suit from the Information Communication Technology Association of Kenya (ICTAK) comes just days after journalists, editors and media owners took the Cabinet Secretary to court over the new controversial media law.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in his office at Teleposta Towers, Matiang’i dismissed allegations that the appointment of six members to the ICT Authority was illegal.

He scoffed at ICTAK’s threats that he would be sued over the move.

“I can personally vouch for each and every member appointed as they are men and women of integrity who are ready and willing to serve the country. These appointments were judicious and whoever feels differently is free to go to court,” said Matiang’i.

He added: “If we are called to defend ourselves in a court of law, we will.”

Those appointed to serve on the board for three years include Timothy Waema, Esther Kibere, Bertha Dena, Elijah Omwenga, David Mugo and Ugas Mohammed.

ICT PS Joseph Tiampati, Lands and Housing PS Mariam El Maawy and National Treasury PS Kamau Thugge will join the members on the board, on behalf of the Government, to be chaired by former Alego Usonga MP Edwin Yinda.

ICTAK argued that the CS did not follow the law in making the appointments, saying he breached the provision of Legal Notice 183 of 2013.

University lecturers

ICTAK Secretary General Kamotho Njenga said the legal notice, in paragraph 6(2) (e), allows the appointment of a maximum of six people, who should not be public officers.

“The CS proceeded to include persons who are public officers as per Article 260 of the Constitution. Some members include university lecturers who under the law are public servants,” explained Kamotho.

He added that the CS went against the provision of the legal notice in paragraph 6(3).  “He proceeded to gazette the entire set of appointees on the same date,” he said.