Matemu linked to Sh2.4 billion scam

Damning evidence linking the man nominated to lead the fight on corruption in the country Mumo Matemu was Thursday tabled in the House in an acrimonious debate on the report of a Parliamentary committee December 15, 2011. FILE

The man President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga nominated to lead the war against corruption was sensationally linked to the vice in an acrimonious debate in Parliament on Thursday. (Read: House team rejects Kibaki graft names)

The chairman of Public Accounts Committee, Dr Boni Khalwale, tabled documents claiming that Mr Mumo Matemu had failed to collect Sh2.4 billion in tax arrears from a company while at the Kenya Revenue Authority.

“This matter has been brought to me by a patriotic Kenyan who knows the importance of Parliament… this information touches on a man whom we want to sit on this important commission,” said Dr Khalwale.

Mr Matemu has been nominated as chairman of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, with Ms Irene Keino and Prof Jane Onsongo as his deputies.

Mr George Nyamweya (PNU, Nominated) said the dossier comprising sworn affidavits and court rulings had been submitted to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee that vetted the nominees but was not included in the final report to the House.

MPs sought explanation why this crucial information was left out.

Dr Khalwale said the company, Kingsway, had offered to pay Sh1.5 million per week to clear the arrears, but Mr Matemu, who had been tasked to collect the money, did not do so.

Joint-Government Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo accused temporary deputy Speaker Philip Kaloki of bias on picking speakers.

“We have noticed that you’re receiving notes and we would be interested in knowing the contents of the notes, because some people are complaining that they’re not being picked to speak,” said Mr Midiwo.

MPs supporting the nominees said passion was too vague an attribute to be measured or required of those seeking public positions.

Led by Charles Kilonzo (Yatta) and Cabinet ministers Njeru Githae, Otieno Kajwang’ and Uhuru Kenyatta, they said the fact the trio had applied for the jobs was evidence that they were passionate about it.

The vice chairman of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Mr Njoroge Baiya, moved the motion and urged the House to reject the report.

“We were privileged to be part of an interview. We did our job. I think Mr Speaker, we were all very impressed by the qualifications of the nominees. They struck as career people, as decent Kenyans as people who can do a good job. On that we were unanimous,” said Mr Mutava Musyimi (Gachoka).

He added: “Equally, we were unanimous that something was lacking, and we named it as passion. The question was, what is it that Kenyans found in Dr Willy Mutunga’s to pick him as the Chief Justice? Whatever it is, that’s what’s lacking in these people. We were not persuaded, that given the huge difficulties that the country was in (regarding corruption) that this commission as constituted was capable of helping the country.”

The lawmakers who backed the nominees said the Selection Panel had sifted through dozens of applications and came up with a list of the best candidates. They said the committee had introduced its own guidelines.

But others argued that those presented to Parliament were not the best because the person who topped the list was left out.

“The fact that we had a better candidate than the person taken allows me to support the recommendations of the committee,” said Mr Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa).

Assistant ministers Kabando wa Kabando and Muriithi Ndiritu said the debate had been ethnicised and those with divergent views had been gagged.

Ms Rachel Shebesh (nominated) and assistant minister Cecily Mbarire backed the nominees, saying that the rejection of the names was akin to victimisation of women.

Mr John Mbadi (Gwassi) said the fact the committee had agreed on its first report after its troubled past was a signal that something was amiss about the nominees.

“We are not appointing just any other commission. This is an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. It is about determination to eradicate the culture and dragon of corruption. This time the House will not be treated kindly if we push through people upon whom the committee of this House has expressed doubts,” warned Mr Mbadi.

Another MP, Mr Abdul Bahari (Isiolo South) said the general disposition, attitude and minds were seen at the interviews and the committee made an informed decision. He said there was no vagueness or ambiguity in the word “passion”.

“Passion is a realm of social science. It can be measured and it can be proven. Those who have no idea should come for lessons. The reason why we go through their papers and ensure we have a face-to-face interaction is to judge exactly that: passion!” said Mr Bahari