Kambi put on the spot over degree

What you need to know:

  • Court told minister’s performance does not match that expected of graduate

Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi was on Tuesday taken to task over his degree certificate.

Lawyer Samuel Aduda, representing a petitioner, Mr Charles Omwanga, told the court that Mr Kambi’s performance had raised questions about his academic credentials and demanded to know the authenticity of a degree he claims he acquired from Baraton University.

“The cabinet secretary has on numerous occasions failed to articulate on issues relating to his docket as would be expected of a university graduate,” Mr Aduda said.

He said Mr Kambi has been making numerous erratic decisions and was likely to “run aground” the sensitive labour docket.

False information

“Since assuming office, the minister has conducted himself in a manner suggesting that he does not have the academic depth to handle the office handed to him,” Mr Aduda said.

Mr Omwanga wants Mr Kambi to explain to Kenyans how he landed the office of cabinet secretary because “I have reasons to believe he is not a degree holder and must have given false and misleading information on his competence and suitability.”

He is thus seeking an order compelling the minister to produce his university degree.

The Attorney-General’s office asked the court to dismiss the petition, saying it was an abuse of the court, was misconceived and based on speculation.

“The issue of a degree certificate can be dealt with by the Higher Education cabinet secretary. The petitioner is avoiding a certain procedure,” the AG said. 

According to the AG, the Constitution lays down the procedure under which a cabinet secretary can be dismissed.

He said Parliament also had powers to pass a resolution urging the President to dismiss a minister for misconduct.

“Issues of leadership and integrity apply to only elective posts, not appointments,” the AG said, adding the allegations against the cabinet secretary were speculation.

“The petitioner has not provided precise evidence and details of the complaint. This kind of petition is filed to seek value in newsrooms,” he said. He said a degree is not a requirement under the Constitution for an individual to be appointed a cabinet secretary. A judgment will be made next month.