Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale on Friday, July 26, 2024, disclosed that the vetting of the new cabinet nominees might restore the public faith in the National Assembly.
In a statement shared on X, Khalwale said the vetting presents Members of the National Assembly an opportunity to redeem themselves in the court of public opinion.
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, the National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetangu’la issued a notice on the vetting exercise for the new cabinet nominated by President William Ruto.
According to the notice, the vetting of the 20 cabinet secretaries’ nominees shall be conducted by the committee on appointment in the mini chamber, County Hall Parliament buildings from 8 am.
The Speaker noted that the vetting process will start on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and conclude on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
On Thursday, August 1, 2024, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki will be the first to appear before the Committee on Appointments.
The former CS will be expected to defend his nomination as minister of the Interior and National Administration before the Committee on Appointments.
Other CS nominees who will be vetted on the first day include the Health Cabinet Secretary nominee Debra Mlongo Barasa, Alice Wahome (Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development), Julius Migos Ogamba (Education) and Rosalinda Soipan Tuya (Defence).
On the second day of vetting, the CS nominee for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr Andrew Mwihia Karanja will be the first to appear before the vetting panel at 8 am.
He will be followed by Aden Barre Duale (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry), Eric Muriithi Muuga (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation), Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport) and Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u (Information. Communication and the Digital Economy).
On the third day, Orange Democratic Movemovement (ODM) lawmaker John Mbadi will defend his nomination as CS for National Treasury and Investments, Trade & Industry Economic Planning.
He will be followed by Salim Mvurya Mgala (Investment, Trade and Industry), Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), James Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum) and Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports).
On Sunday, August 4, 2024, which will be the final day, former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho who is a CS nominee for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs will start then followed by Alfred Nganga Mutua (Labour and Social Protection), Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya (Co-operatives and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)), Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi (Public Service & Human Capital Development) and Stella Soi Lang’at (Gender, Culture, The Arts & Heritage).
On June 25, 2024, the anti-government protesters invaded the National Parliament Building after a section of the Members of Parliament (MP) okayed the controversial Finance Bill 2024/2025.