National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has clarified on the vetting process for Cabinet nominees who have been re-appointed by President William Ruto.
Speaking during the Tuesday July 23 Parliamentary proceedings, Wetang’ula addressed concerns raised by Mogollo Member of Parliament Kipngor Reuben Kiborek regarding the re-vetting of previously appointed nominees.
Wetang’ula explained that according to the Constitution and the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approvals Act, all Cabinet nominees, including those who have been re-appointed, must undergo vetting by the National Assembly.
“Under the Constitution and the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approvals Act everybody whether they were in the dismissed Cabinet or not, once reappointed must be vetted by the National Assembly,” Wetangula clarified.
He emphasized that this requirement applies regardless of their prior service in the Cabinet.
Wetang’ula Clarifies on Vetting ProcessÂ
“Infact the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approvals Act says that the persons to be vetted include those appointed and reappointed…that is the law,” said Wetangula.
The Speaker also addressed the eligibility of individuals who were dismissed from the previous Cabinet.
He explained that the President did not provide a specific reason for their dismissal therefore the individuals were still eligible for reappointment.
Also Read:Â Ruto Unveils New Cabinet Nominees
“The President assigned no reason for the dismissal and therefore they are eligible for reappointment and under the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approvals Act Members of the House will vet them and vote on their reappointment.”
However, Wetang’ula noted that the exception only applied in cases where individuals were dismissed for breaching Chapter 6 of the Constitution or for mismanaging public resources.
“Unless you have been dismissed for breaching chapter 6 of the Constitution, unless you have been dismissed for violating the Constitution or for being uncountable in the management of public resources,” explained Wetang’ula.
Wetangula Assures of Public Participation
In a press briefing on Monday, July 22, Wetang’ula assured that the upcoming vetting process would involve public participation, allowing Kenyans to submit memoranda on the suitability of the 11 nominees.
“The public will be allowed to give views, send memorandum, any accolades and we will then set a date for the vetting,” he explained.
Also Read:Â Ruto Moves Duale from Ministry of Defense
The Committee on Appointments, traditionally chaired by the Speaker, will oversee this process and table a report within 28 days.
The National Assembly is expected to commence the vetting process for all the nominees in the coming days and the outcome will determine the composition of President Ruto’s new Cabinet.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
