Kenyan MPs to Vet Ruto’s Diplomatic Nominees

Kenyan legislators are scheduled to begin the vetting process for 27 nominees appointed by President William Ruto for ambassadorial and high commissioner positions.

This vetting process will be conducted by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, under the leadership of Belgut MP Nelson Koech.

The process is set to span six days, commencing on April 1 and concluding on April 11.

In accordance with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 6(4) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations has organised these Approval Hearings.

These hearings are open to the general public and will occur in the Mini-Chamber, County Hall, Parliament Buildings, beginning at 9.00 a.m.

Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, invited public members to submit their reservations, supported by written statements on oath and accompanying evidence, which had to be received by his office by the day of vetting.

The vetting sessions will begin with Catherine Kirumba Karemu, nominated for the position of Kenya’s High Commissioner to London, United Kingdom, followed by former Kisii County Deputy Governor, Joash Maangi, who has been nominated as High Commissioner to Uganda.

Lilian Tomitom, a former West Pokot woman representative will follow. She has been nominated to head the Kenyan mission in Lusaka, Zambia.

Recently retired Vice chief of Defence Forces, Lt. General (Rtd) Jonah Mwangi, will undergo vetting for his position to Tehran, Iran on April 4, making him the second-to-last nominee in the process.

On Thursday, the ambassadorial vetting process will be concluded by Caroline Kamende Daudi, Kenya’s nominee for the posting in Ottawa, Canada.

Legislators will scrutinise her suitability during the session.

Critics have accused the Koech-led committee of negligence in thoroughly questioning nominees for these positions.

They argue that the influential house committee has failed to assert itself and is perceived as merely rubber-stamping the decisions of the ruling party.