Committee on Appointments says petitions against CS nominees thoroughly reviewed

The National Assembly Committee on Appointments during the vetting of Dorcas Agik Oduor as the Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya on August 9, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Committee on Appointments has defended itself against allegations of ignoring public input during the vetting of Cabinet Secretary nominees and the Attorney General.

Chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, the committee emphasised that public participation was thorough, and there should be no dispute over its adherence to the process.

The committee clarified that all affidavits and memoranda submitted were carefully scrutinised, dismissing claims that any were disregarded.

While moving a special motion on the consideration of nominees Ms Beatrice Askul and Ms Dorcas Agik for appointment as Cabinet Secretary for EAC Affairs and Regional Development, and Attorney General respectively, the Leader of the Minority Party Junet Mohamed stated that the committee received four memoranda, one hand-delivered and three submitted by email.

"Out of the memoranda submitted, only one complied with Section 6(9) of the Act while three were not in the form of the affidavits and hence did not meet the requisite threshold," said Junet.

He added, "It is noteworthy for memoranda that did not meet the requirement of the law, the committee converted them into questions and the members examined the nominees on all the questions from the public as evidenced on the report."

Junet further said the nominees were drawn from various ethnic groups, including marginalized communities, representing Kenya's diverse population.

"I participated also in the vetting of the nominees and I can tell this House without fear of contradiction that this is now the real example of women that can lead this country. Distinguished women, women who have prospered in their career," said Junet.

Seconding the motion, Deputy Leader of the Majority Owen Baya, expressed gratitude to Kenyans who participated in the approval hearings by submitting memoranda and affidavits.

Baya emphasised that the vetting process has strengthened democracy and constitutionalism in the country.

Addressing critics who alleged that the Committee on Appointments disregarded the content of public submissions, Baya, also a member of the appointment committee reaffirmed that public participation was thorough and that the committee fully adhered to the process.