MPs focus on Sam Ongeri age in vetting

The vetting of Prof Sam Ongeri, who has been nominated Kenya’s ambassador to the United Nations Habitat, was on Tuesday dominated by concerns that at 76, he may be too old for the job.

Most members of the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee said though they had no misgivings about his credentials and performance, they felt the former MP and Cabinet minister had served the public long enough.

Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura told the former Education minister to decline the position and ask President Uhuru Kenyatta to appoint someone else.

“Considering you will be turning 80 in four years, I urge you to give younger people a chance,” he said.

This was echoed by several other MPs, especially from Cord. Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi said the appointment was likely to spark a public outcry, especially among young people.

In response, Prof Ongeri said his brain power was at its best. “I will do the job adequately and when the time comes and the body refuses, I will give it up, but for now I am up to the task,” he said.

The committee will write its report at the weekend and the National Assembly, which is on recess, will reconvene next week to consider it.

PRIORITIES

Also being vetted was the nominee for the National Intelligence Service (NIS) director-general Major-General Philip Kameru.

He told the committee that internal security and the fight against terrorism would be among his priority concerns if confirmed.

The committee did not ask tough questions but in the House, his nomination could be challenged on ethnic grounds.

On Tuesday, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma wrote to Speaker Justin Muturi asking him to stop Maj-Gen Kameru’s vetting and have the President nominate someone from regions not represented in the national security apparatus.

Although the letter was delivered the day of the vetting, it could set the tone for debate when the House reconvenes to discuss the Defence Committee report.