MPs want CS Omamo put to task over Mwinzi appointment

Mwende Mwinzi at a Milimani court. [George Njunge, Standard]

The appointment of Mwende Mwinzi as Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Korea has continued to elicit mixed reactions, with MPs questioning her dual citizenship.

The lawmakers want Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo to appear before the Defence and Foreign Relations committee to confirm if Mwinzi has officially reported to her new post.

The National Assembly is set to debate a report by the committee, which recommended that her appointment be rejected if she does not renounce her US citizenship.

Speaker Justin Muturi directed the committee's chair Richard ole Kanta to issue a notice of motion on Thursday, following calls by MPs to have the issue cleared up.

“We can have the matter listed for debate on Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, I am aware of the findings of the Defence and Foreign Relations committee and the resolution of the House," said Muturi.

MPs Vincent Tuwei (Mosop), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda) and Adan Duale (Garissa Township) asked the speaker and Majority Leader Amos Kimunya to prioritise the matter and ensure the august House's legitimacy is upheld.

But Murang'a County MP Sabina Chege termed the decision to reject Mwinzi’s nomination as harsh and selective.

“If the ambassador is to be blocked, even MPs who have dual citizenship should be asked to resign,” she said.

Mwinzi presented her credentials to the South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday. Also present was South Korean Foreign Affairs minister Chung Eui-Yong.