The name of former Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano was missing from the list of President William Ruto‘s nominees presented to Parliament on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, for vetting.
This has raised speculations on whether the former CS who was nominated by President Ruto to the Attorney General (AG) position has rejected the offer.
Ruto had on Friday, July 19,2024, nominated Rebecca Miano for the AG post as he unveiled 11 faces of his first batch of the new-look Cabinet.
However, the Head of State omitted Rebecca Miano’s name from the list of Cabinet nominees that was submitted to Parliament and announced by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Speaker Wetang’ula while making his submission before MPs announced 10 names for consideration, 1 short of the 11 nominated by Ruto last week.
“Honorable Members, Standing Order 42(1) relating to ‘Messages from the President’ provides that: ‘The Speaker shall read to the House any message from the President delivered to the Speaker for communication to the House” Wetang’ula said.
“In this regard, I wish to convey to the House that I have received a message from His Excellency the President, notifying the nomination of various persons for appointment to the Offices of Cabinet Secretaries,” he added.
While announcing a last-minute reshuffle, Wetang’ula noted that President Ruto reassigned Defense CS nominee Aden Duale to the Ministry of Environment. His post is now set to be taken up by former Environment CS Soipan Tuya.
Cabinet Nominee’s names to be forwarded
Speaker Wetang’ula said he would forward the names of the 10 nominees and their curriculum vitae to the Committee on Appointments of the House for consideration.
Also Read: Rebecca Miano Qualifications for Attorney General Post Questioned; What the Law States
Following the speculations on Miano rejecting Ruto’s offer, the former CS posted a cryptic message on her social media platforms that has raised further questions if indeed she has rejected.
“When rumor mills are rolling, the well-advised stay still,” she posted.
Rebecca Miano Nominated for Attorney General Post
Miano had initially accepted the offer following her nomination for the Attorney General post, further thanking President Ruto for the offer.
“I thank H.E. Dr. William Ruto CGH for nominating me to the role of Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya. Granted the opportunity, I promise to apply myself fully to the tasks attached to that solemn office with my focus being on serving the people of my beloved motherland with utmost dedication, humility and a listening ear. God will be my helper,” she stated.
On Sunday, Miano also posted an appreciation message on her official X account, discussing about second chances.
“Life is full of second chances. When they come be more appreciative, intentional, courageous, hard-working, and humble. Blessed Sunday,” she said.
Also Read: Ruto Moves Duale from Ministry of Defense
Miano’s nomination had however sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with a section raising questions about her qualifications.
Qualifications questioned
Critics argued that despite holding a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, a Diploma in Law, and postgraduate studies in Comparative Law, the former CS lacks a legal career.
One of the constitutional prerequisites for being nominated as AG is to have practiced law for at least 15 years.
He/ she should have at least fifteen years’ experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field.
Miano notably lacked the requirements as she boasts of over three decades-experience in the energy sector, where she is recognized as a prominent business leader with a distinguished career in public service.
Before joining Cabinet, the former CS was the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), a role she served in for five years.
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