In an unexpected twist, Attorney General nominee Rebecca Miano’s name was conspicuously absent from the list of Cabinet nominees forwarded by President William Ruto to the National Assembly for vetting.
This surprising development was revealed during a session on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, when National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula read out the names of the 10 nominees.
In a formal address to the House, Speaker Wetang’ula presented the President’s list of nominees, which includes prominent figures slated for key ministerial positions:
1. Kithure Kindiki, EGH – Ministry of Interior and National Administration
2. Debra Fliongo Barasa – Ministry of Health
3. Alice Wahome, EGH – Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development
4. Julius Migos Ogamba – Ministry of Education
5. Roselinda Soipan Tuiya, EGH – Ministry of Defence
6. Andrew Mwihia Karanja – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
7. Aden Barre Duale, EGH – Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
8. Eric Murugu Muiga – Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation
9. Davis Chirchir, EGH – Ministry of Roads and Transport
10. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u – Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy
The omission of Miano from this crucial list raises questions and speculation about the reasons behind her exclusion.
The list was presented as part of President Ruto’s constitutional mandate, in accordance with Articles 152(2) of the Constitution, as well as sections 3 and 5 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011.
“In view of the foregoing and pursuant to the provisions of section 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, of 2011 as read together with Standing Order 42(3), 1 hereby refer the Message from the President, together with the curriculum vitae of the nominees to the Committee on Appointments,” Wetang’ula said.
The National Assembly Speaker emphasized the urgency for the Committee on Appointments to begin the vetting process immediately.
The committee has been tasked with notifying the nominees and the public, conducting approval hearings, and tabling its report to the House within 28 days to ensure the swift confirmation of the nominees.
“Honourable Members, section 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011 provides that unless otherwise provided in law, the Committee to which such nomination is referred shall consider the matter and table a report in the House within twenty-eight (28) days.
“It is therefore imperative that the Committee on Appointments immediately commences the process of consideration of the nominees,” Wetang’ula said.
Adding that; “The Committee on Appointments is expected to immediately notify the nominees and the general public, commence the necessary approval hearings and table its report In the House soonest, to enable the House consider the nominees within the stipulated timelines.”
The absence of Rebecca Miano’s name could indicate a possible last-minute change or an administrative oversight.
Further clarification from President Ruto’s office or subsequent updates from the National Assembly are anticipated to shed light on this unexpected development.
N/B. President Ruto has not yet named his full Cabinet, maybe Miano’s name will be included in the second batch of nominees.