Ever since embattled Dr. Monica Juma was rejected by the National Assembly a week ago to serve as secretary to the Cabinet in a chaotic session, several questions in the minds of many analysts have so far risen: did the President rally nominate the “wrong” person? Could she still be headed to her security docket position after rejection? Were the MPs rights to reject President Uhuru’s nominee? Were the Jubilee section of MPs instructed to reject Juma altogether?
Juma could be headed for her security docket after all. The noise could be plenty. Despite the fact that MPs accuse her of arrogance and insensitivity with colleagues citing similar problems from the Principal Secretary. But then Uhuru seems to be determined to place Dr. Juma’s name in his Cabinet list terming MPs action as frivolous.
According to other sources, she will be renamed, however, but will not be resubmitted to parliament for vetting as she had already been vetted for the said position by the committee on Administration and National Security. In fact, to show some defiance by the executive power, the President himself as explained by State House operatives, is considering her as one of her chief advisers on matters of security.
The President, however, is convinced that other than her rich curriculum vitae as well as international exposure, it is totally out of order that she is being crucified for rejecting a decision legislator wanted her to implement. She was just rejected for doing the right thing; implementing the same laws passed by the very MPs.
Moreover, it is arguable to note that MPs have the right to visit civil servants to get answers to their parliamentary questions but their action was hostile; These MPs demanded bribes and favours. The only reason for rejection forwarded by committee Chairman Asman Kamama was just a note Dr. Juma wrote decrying parliamentarians seeking unlawful acts – promotions and transfers of certain security officers from their areas of representation.
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Unfortunately, the action by majority MPs in the house then was more justice for the lady. Nothing was done in her defense despite efforts from the majority leader, Aden Duale who worsened the situation. It was loud bhang and noise as though he himself was the subject of discussion. No wonder Gatundu MP Moses Kuria angrily put it: “… it was rejection of our own President!”
Kenyans across board are angry with MPs. How comes that parliamentarians disapproved President Uhuru Kenyatta’s nominee for key job? Was this a gesture of an opportune moment to show their actual greed and selfish behaviors?
Sources indicate, however, that there was no way the lawmakers could defy President Uhuru Kenyatta. In fact, in the previous cases where the very legislators have used their numbers to change committee reports, to the chagrin of opposition MPs. But then, why did the majority vote against her? Or, has parliament fully turned a rogue house?
Surprisingly, it is now emerging that some MPs have started to express divergent views on their own actions – rejecting Dr. Juma’s nomination by the President. While some are defending her as the most qualified for his passion, others are for the opinion that the National Assembly ought to be respected as it is empowered to either reject or approve any nominee.
But it must be concluded that the MPs created mountains out of mould hills by opposing the nomination of Dr. Juma yet it was a flimsy issue – should not have been an issue had they handled it objectively.
Kurgat Martin Seronei,
Is a political analyst and comments on topical issues,
P.O Box 3900 – 30100,
Eldoret
