Muthama, Ongwae, Mwathi interviewed for PSC posts

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula led commissioners of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to vet candidates representing the public in the PSC.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairperson Johnston Muthama, former Kisii Governor James Ongwae, former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi, former Matungu MP David Were, former Aldai MP Cornellly Serem, former Kwale county assembly Speaker Sammy Ruwa and John Ekale appeared before the commission in Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, Friday, December 31, 2022.

Mr Ongwae said his experience as Kisii governor for 10 years and Permanent Secretary in the regime of former Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki prepared him adequately to serve in the commission.

The former governor told the commission that two petitions presented to Parliament by Isaac Nyakeriga and Thomson Osoro challenging his suitability were sponsored by his political detractors and he learnt about them two days before appearing for the interview.

The Speaker said Mr Nyakeriga in his petition accused Ongwae of employing ghost workers and snubbed Senate summons to respond to the allegations.

Mr Wetang'ula also informed the former governor that Osoro filed a petition accusing him of abuse of power, arrogance, being unable to manage the public wage bill and using public funds to construct a borehole in his private property.

"I would like to inform the commissioners that the accusations against me are the work of my detractors, during my tenure at Kisii county got a good report from the Auditor General's office. I performed to the best of my abilities and this can be clearly seen on the ground," said Ongwae.

He told PSC commissioners that during his time in the civil service he was not summoned by investigative agencies and the county government did not have ghost workers.

The former governor said that when he was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Service Commission he promoted 70,000 teachers who had stagnated in the same job group for almost 15 years terming it one if his achievements in the Public Service.

Mr Muthama told the commissioners that his experience as a Member of Parliament where he at one point served as Chief Whip prepared him adequately to serve in the PSC.

The former Machakos senator told the commissioners that he presided over free and fair UDA nominations and would ensure that PSC champions for the welfare of Members of Parliament.

"I believe I have the necessary experience to serve as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission with being a Member of Parliament for along time prepared me adequately," said Muthama.

Mr Mwathi told the commission that having served as MP and a member of PSC puts him ahead of the pack since he understands the parliamentary operations.

The former Limuru MP told the commission that he will champion for the welfare of lawmakers.

"Having served as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission I will ensure that I will use the experience gained to improve on the welfare of Members of Parliament who work hard to serve the people who have elected them," said Mwathi.

Mr Were who served as Matungu MP for three terms told the Wetang'ula-led commission that only someone with experience as a legislator and who has interacted with the public to the lowest level is suitable to serve in the PSC.

He said that he was in Parliament when the terms of service of MPs and staff was improved and will work to make them better.

Mr Serem told the commission that he was best placed to serve in the position and understands challenges faced by members.

The commissioners also interviewed Mr Ekale while former Kiminini Chris Wamalwa informed the commission that he will not present himself for vetting.

The interview panel comprised of Wetangula, Nominated Senator Joyce Korir, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni, Nyandarua Woman Rep Faith Gitau.

Others were Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye and Commissioner Rachel Ameso.

Ameso who is a former Kakamega Woman Representative is currently serving as a female member representing the public in the commission.