Graft body wants Kimemia out

Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia. Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Based on the letter, the parliamentary committee that vetted Mr Kimemia questioned him on allegations of involvement in various corruption matters, allegations of political bias, favouritism and nepotism.

The anti-corruption commission has opposed the nomination of Mr Francis Kimemia as Secretary to the Cabinet.

The Saturday Nation Friday established that the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) had written to Parliament asking members not to approve the outgoing Head of Public Service’s nomination as the first holder of the position.

The commission argued Mr Kimemia had abused his current office and that he had been involved in corruption.

Political bias

Based on the letter, the parliamentary committee that vetted Mr Kimemia questioned him on allegations of involvement in various corruption matters, allegations of political bias, favouritism and nepotism.

He denied the allegations.

In particular, the committee asked about his role in the 2013 presidential campaigns in which he was accused of favouring one side. He denied the accusations.

Mr Kimemia promised to ensure recommendations of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission were fully implemented.

Mr Kimemia said he will fast-track the preparation of a Cabinet memo showing how the report will be implemented and bring it to the National Assembly within the next 21 days.

He told the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and National Security that according to the Constitution, the report has to be implemented within six months.

He, however, said the onus was on the National Assembly to either approve or reject it.

Responding to questions by members of the committee, Mr Kimemia said there are more than 100 Cabinet memos that require to be implemented by the new Cabinet and that he will give them priority.

A committee member, Mr Mohammed Shidiye (Ladgera), had expressed concern over failure by civil servants to implement good programmes and ideas proposed by the Cabinet.
Mr Kimemia said he will treat it as a key agenda if he is confirmed.

The nominee also outlined his plans for the office and said he will ensure that the executive does not slow down Parliament’s legislative agenda.

“There is a lot of business and the Cabinet needs to work closely with Parliament,” he added.

He said he will ensure that all crucial Bills are not delayed at Cabinet level.

He promised to ensure constitutional Bills that must be passed by the August constitutional deadline are speeded up for tabling in to Parliament.

Speaking in a National Assembly sitting last week, Majority Leader Aden Duale said all crucial constitutional Bills that are supposed to be enacted within the next two months should be tabled at the floor of the House for deliberation.

At yesterday’s vetting meeting, Mr Kimemia outlined his vision for the security sector terming it a priority for the Jubilee government.

He told MPs that a National Security Council will be established immediately the Cabinet secretary in charge of security assumes office.

Protocol wars

On the protocol to be followed on Madaraka Day, he said County Commissioners will read the presidential speech but Governors will be the last to speak during the functions.

They will also be allowed to read their own speeches.

The directions have been made to avoid a clash between the two offices, which have previously waged supremacy battles.