Outspoken lawyer Miguna Miguna has raised questions regarding the alleged appointment of former news anchor Jacque Maribe to the government.
The reported appointment of Maribe came after the Court acquitted her of the murder of the late businesswoman Monica Kimani. Justice Grace Nzioka sentenced her co-accused Jowie Irungu to death.
Following her acquittal, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria is said to have appointed Jacque Maribe as a Communication Officer.
However, the Public Service Commission – PSC disputed her appointment in a notice released on March 14, 2024.
As such, Miguna Miguna demanded answers to 5 questions that he directed to different government agencies and state officials.
“Kenyans have questions that President William Ruto’s government must answer to our satisfaction,” Miguna stated.
Miguna directed the first question to the office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP). He asked if the ODPP had filed an appeal to challenge the acquittal of Jacque Maribe.
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He also asked whether the ODPP had charged Maribe with obstruction of justice.
“The ODPP Publicly stated that it’s appealing her acquittal: has it done so? If not, why?” The ODPP publicly stated that it would charge her with obstruction of justice: why hasn’t she been charged?” Miguna posed.
Miguna on Moses Kuria
Similarly, the vocal lawyer questioned Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria’s criteria to employ Maribe as head of communications in his ministry.
The lawyer demanded answers on the transparency of the appointment and if her employment followed all the legal processes.
“When and where was the job advertised? When we’re shortlisting and interviews done? What made Maribe the most qualified Kenyan when she has no relevant experience and there are thousands of eminently qualified Kenyans ready to serve? How could a person facing murder charges have been considered the most suitable for the job?” Miguna demanded.
Government Appointments
Miguna also raised concerns on the employment of specific tribes in the Kenya Kwanza government.
The lawyer stated that most of the government’s appointments are drawn from Kalenjin and Gikuyu communities.
“With the obvious over-representation of Kikuyus and Kalenjins in the current Kenya Kwanza government, how can you justify this appointment?” the Lawyer posed.
This came after the High Court in Nairobi nullified the employment of 1,406 new staff hired by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), after it emerged that the recruitment process was purely tribal and therefore unconstitutional.
PSC Report Exposes Tribalism in Public Offices
Previously, the Public Service Commission – PSC tabled before the National Assembly, a report revealing that Kikuyus and Luhyas account for the highest number of employees at PSC secretariat as of March 2024.
It further stated that out of the 244 staff from 23 ethnic communities, those from Agikuyu community were 57 whereas Luhyas were 37.
Nonetheless, some 28 wer from the Luo community while 27 were Kalenjins.
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The report further indicated that the minority communities, including Borana, Gabra, Rendile, Mbeere, Taita and Turkana each had only one staff at the commission.
Other ethnicities with a noteworthy number were Kambas (24), Abagusii (19), Meru (13), Embu (7) and Maasai (6).
On the distribution based on seniority levels, Kikuyus have nine at senior management level while Luhya and Kalenjin both have four.
