Lobby says Cabinet secretaries' nominations lack gender balance

Information, Communications and Technology Cabinet Secretary nominee Joseph Mucheru before the Parliamentary Committee on Appointment for vetting, at Parliament Buildings on December 11, 2015. The swearing in of Mr Mucheru and several other Cabinet secretary nominees has been opposed by the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness and the National Women’s Steering Committee Chairperson Marilyn Muthoni Kamuru who said there was no gender balance. PHOTO | JAMES EKWAM | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Centre for Rights Education and Awareness and the National Women’s Steering Committee Chairperson Marilyn Muthoni Kamuru said there was no gender balance.

A lobby group Thursday moved to court to stop the swearing-in of seven nominated Cabinet secretaries, arguing that the two thirds gender rule was not upheld.

Centre for Rights Education and Awareness and the National Women’s Steering Committee Chairperson Marilyn Muthoni Kamuru said there was no gender balance.

Lawyers Waikwa Nyoike and Harun Ndubi told High Court Judge Joseph Onguto that the Cabinet would have only five women, thus violating the two thirds gender rule.

However, Justice Onguto declined to stop the swearing-in and said the case would be heard on December 23.

President Uhuru Kenyatta nominated Mr Mwangi Kiunjuri, former Kericho Senator Charles Keter, Dr Cleopa Mailu, Mr Willy Bett, Mr Joseph Mucheru, former Principal Secretary Sicily Kariuki and former MP Daniel Kazungu on November 24.