President Uhuru Kenyatta names nominees to Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

By Roselyne Obala and Wilfred Ayaga

Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated Kagwiria Mbogori as chairperson to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

He also nominated Susan Shatikha Chivusia, George Morara Monyoncho, Vincent Suyianka Lempaa and Jedidah Wakonyo Waruhiu as members to the commission.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi conveyed the President’s message to the House, where he sought approval of the KNHRC nominees.

Muturi directed the Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs chaired by Samuel Chepkong’a to notify the nominees and the general public by tomorrow of the time and place for the approval hearings.

“The committee is then required to commence the approval hearings from the 20th of this month and submit their report to the House within seven days for debate and subsequent approval or rejection,” said the Speaker.

Section 11(7) of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act (2011) requires the National Assembly to either approve or reject the nominees to the respective positions within 21 days of communication from the President.

The nominees bring to an end the standoff that has characterised the appointment of the commissioners.

In January, the High Court nullified the decision by Attorney General Githu Muigai to recruit new commissioners to the commission.

Justice Isaac Lenaola said the AG erred in forming another selection panel parallel to the Eric Mutua-led team that had shortlisted three nominees two years ago.

Prior to last year’s General Election, three names were submitted to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s predecessor President Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for appointment and later for approval by Parliament.

Those shortlisted for the position of chairperson included Nelly Matheka, Ambrose Wade, Jotham Okome Arwa and Chris Mburu.

President Kenyatta has also declined to assent to the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, presented to him on November 26, 2013.

Muturi told the House that on December 9, 2013, he received a memorandum from the President containing his reservations on the Bill and sought the reconsideration of the Bill by the House.

He directed that the committee on Finance, Planning and Trade chaired by Benjamin Lagat examine the President’s reservations with a view to guiding debate when they are considered.