The US Embassy in Nairobi has sent a message to Cabinet nominees and Members of Parliament ahead of the vetting process scheduled for Thursday, August 1, 2024.
In a statement, the US Embassy indicated that it recognises the value of integrity in public service.
While throwing the ball into MPs court, the US Embassy noted that the lawmakers will play a critical role in protecting Chapter Six of the Constitution which is grounded on Leadership and Integrity.
The Embassy thus challenged the MPs to execute their mandate with the need to preserve the values of integrity and leadership in mind.
“As Kenyans look ahead to the vetting of Cabinet nominees beginning today, we recognize the importance of integrity in public service and the National Assembly’s vital role in upholding Chapter Six of Kenya’s Constitution,” their statement read in part.
US Embassy statement comes amidst pressure for some Cabinet nominees to drop out of the vetting process due to integrity issues.
Among those flagged for being unfit is the former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) disapproved his nomination as Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary on grounds that he has a graft case to answer.
In a letter penned by EACC on July 29 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, the anti-graft watchdog cast a shadow over Oparanya’s nomination, elaborating that the nominated CS’s integrity is wanting.
EACC cited that it investigated Oparanya over the allegations during his tenure as Kakamega Governor.
By the time of this publication, Oparanya had not responded to EACC’s statement flagging him unfit to hold public office.
Vetting schedule for Thursday
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki will be the first among the CS nominees to defend his suitability for the same position he was appointed by the Head of State in 2022 before being dismissed.
Health Cabinet Secretary nominee Debra Mlongo will be second to appear before the Committee on Appointments at 10:00 am while Lands CS Alice Wahome nominee will appear at noon.
Former Education CS Ezekiel Machogu’s running mate in Kisii 2022 Gubernatorial Elections Julius Ogamba will be vetted from 3:00pm for the position of Education CS then later Soipan Tuya will face the panel to defend her suitability for the Defence Cabinet Secretary.