Senate drops Dullo and picks Omogeni for PSC

Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo has been replaced as a nominee to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).

Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni was unanimously picked in her place for "strong personalities".

Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), rising on a point of order, amended the list of the seven nominees.

Mr Madzayo said he wrote to the office of the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula on Monday after consultations.

But the Speaker said the nomination was not tenable as the threshold had already been met.

"This is very important commission and in all the letters that emanate from the Minority side I'm the authority and unfortunately this was not to be so as another letter was written with the nomination of Dullo," he said.

"Our goal was to nominate a competent senior counsel in the House, whose resources will be witnessed in this House. The commission needs strong personalities that can move mountains and one who holds confidence from the rest of the team."

The National Assembly had already approved the seven PSC members from Kenya Kwanza; Nyandarua Women Rep Faith Gitau, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, Nominated Senator Joyce Korir and Laikipia Senator Nderitu Kinyua.

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya had nominated the Isiolo Senator, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko and Mavoko MP Patrick Makau.

Ms Dullo had been picked following Azimio's decision to drop Raila Odinga's brother Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.

And with the intervention of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the amendments were made.

The senators said with Mr Omogeni in the commission, they were sure of better representation.

"Mr Omogeni has demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the workings of Parliament, so I'm sure we have made the right decision," said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The approval brings to an end the scramble to serve in the 11-member commission that addresses the welfare of lawmakers. The National Assembly Speaker will chair the commission.