Parliament overturns Appointment Committee decision, approves Peninah Malonza for Tourism CS
The National Assembly on Wednesday, October 26, overturned a decision by the Committee on Appointments to reject the nomination of Peninah Malonza as Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Cabinet Secretary.
The committee led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula had unanimously rejected Malonza's nomination by President William Ruto on grounds that she lacks the requisite abilities and experience to serve as CS for Tourism.
However, MPs on Wednesday approved the nomination of Malonza alongside 23 other Cabinet nominees following a special motion tabled in the House by Kitui County Woman Representative Irene Kasalu.
The motion was seconded by Endebess MP Robert Pukose.
MPs defend Peninah Malonza
A section of MPs allied to Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Alliance yesterday faulted the appointments committee for rejecting the nominee arguing that she has the requisite qualifications.
Led by South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, the legislators said it was wrong to disqualify Malonzo on just one parameter.
"I call upon my colleague leaders that let's learn to put our country ahead of everything. My imagination is that even the local politics must have played in this whole thing that warranted the rejection of Peninah Malonza. However honourable Speaker it is wrong to only use one parameter to deny her," Osoro said.
"I think if we were to be fair the rejection ought to be on matters that are serious that touch on Chapter Six of the constitution, that touch on suitability but not on issues of presentation to the committee."
In the report tabled in the House, the committee noted that despite Malonza's impressive academic qualifications, the nominee 'did not demonstrate knowledge on topical, administrative, and technical issues touching on the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage'.
"Consequently, the nominee lacks requisite abilities and experience to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage," the committee said.
At the same time, Minority leadership led by Ugunja Member of Parliament (MP) Opiyo Wandayi recorded a descending opinion following the approval of Aisha Jumwa as Gender and Public Service CS and Mithika Linturi as Agriculture and Livestock Development CS.
The minority said the two lack integrity to serve as CSs.
The two were among the 24 nominees who got the green light to serve in the Cabinet on Wednesday.
With the approval of all the nominees, focus now shifts to President Ruto who is expected to appoint and gazette the names pending their swearing-in.
