Divided CS vetting committee rejects Jumwa, Linturi and Malonza

The National Assembly has rejected the nomination of Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa (Public Service), Peninah Malonza (Tourism) and Mithika Linturi (Agriculture). 

In a report tabled before the House on October 25,2022 by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, the minority rejected the appointment of Linturi and Jumwa over pending court cases. 

Former Meru Governor Linturi's nomination was rejected since he failed to present a copy of an academic degree he says he acquired from an Indian University before the House's Committee on Appointments during vetting.

The Committee also raised concerns as to the authenticity of another university degree Linturi says he got from the University of Nairobi (UoN) citing that the institution once wanted to discontinue the former county boss over forgery allegations in the past. 

It also says that Linturi failed to clearly explain rape and forgery allegations tabled against him instead going off topic and answering questions that were not even asked by the Committee. 

"The members  found Linturi unsuitable to hold public office due to the gravity of the allegations and the court cases against him, the integrity questions, allegations and cases raise and the unsatisfactory responses he provided. The members therefore rejected his nomination," reads the Committee's report in part.

Jumwa's nomination, on the other hand, was overlooked owing to a pending court case in which she is accused of fatally shooting a man in 2019 during the Ganda Ward by-election. 

According to the Committee, Jumwa's claims that she does not own a gun or a firearm license was not satisfactory to prove her innocence and earn her a ministerial docket. 

"The members stated that they hold the strong view that the principle of presumption of innocence until one is proved guilty should never apply in situations of appointment to a high public office such as the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya," reads the report.

"The members, therefore, found Jumwa unsuitable to hold public office due to gravity of the active criminal case against her, the integrity questions it raises and the unsatisfactory responses provided. The members, therefore, reject her nomination to the Cabinet." 

Malonza's nomination was also rejected by the Committee since "she did not demonstrate knowledge of topical, administrative and technical issues touching on the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage."

The Committee is also of the opinion that Malonza lacks requisite abilities and experience to serve as the Tourism CS.