Kibaki, Raila on the spot over gender nominee

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga were on Thursday put on the spot over appointment of a proposed Chairperson of the Gender and Equality Commission.

Some MPs accused the two of horse trading while choosing Kenyans picked to the new offices created by the Constitution saying the trend was likely to derail constitutional reforms.

The sentiments were expressed as MPs debated whether or not to approve Ms Winfred Lichuma, who was picked by the two principals to chair the commission.

Ms Lichuma was nominated for the job although she had been placed fourth by the interviewing panel.

University lecturers Prof Maria Nzomo and Dr Jane Dwasi were rated number one and two, respectively, while retired Justice Violet Mavisi, a former vice chair of the human rights body, emerged third.

The three were disqualified on grounds of “regional balance.’’ (READ: House rejects equality and gender chair)

Prof Nzomo, born of a Kikuyu mother and Kamba father and was said to be rejected on the grounds that she was a Kikuyu and two of the three commissioners were from the same community.

Dr Dwasi born of a Luo mother and Luhya father was rejected on the basis she was Luo and that Mr Otiende Amollo from the same community heads the Commission on Administrative Justice.

Ms Mavisi, a Luhya and married in the same community, was disqualified on grounds that she comes from the same Nandi County as Ms Sarah Serem expected to be picked to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

The Labour and Welfare Committee recommended the rejection of Ms Lichuma saying the process used to appoint her was faulty.

Siakago MP Lenny Kivuti, who is the committee’s vice chair, said the reasons given in rejecting the top candidates was based on misleading information.
Belgut MP Charles Keter asked MPs to be sober and addressing the emerging issues.

“If we are doing regional balancing, let us be honest with ourselves by giving the country the face of Kenya not that of individuals,’’ he said.

Dujis MP Aden Duale said: “We are discussing a report of Parliament and the national assembly is not the place for the two principals to do their horse trading”.

Gichugu MP Martha Karua urged for sobriety.

Report by Njeri Rugene, Alphonce Shiundu and Carolyne Wafula.