MPs overruled a recommendation by a parliamentary team and approved the nomination of Ms Winfred Osimbo Lichuma to chair the National Gender and Equality Commission.
The Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Welfare had recommended that MPs reject Ms Lichuma given that she was ranked fourth in an interview conducted by the selection panel.
Consequently, the committee wanted President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to review the nomination process and present another name to Parliament.
But MPs amended the report to reinstate the two principals’ choice. Lichuma was approved together with Mr Simon Joni Ndubai as a member.
Unhappy with the amendment, committee chair Lenny Kivuti complained that their report was ‘substantially changed’ and called for its rejection. But when the matter was put to the vote, his team lost.
Parliament’s approval comes days after the High Court blocked the appointment of Lichuma to head the gender and equality team until a case filed by women groups is determined.
Justice Isaac Lenaola barred Kibaki and Chief Justice Willy Mutunga from appointing and swearing in the nominee to the position to allow the parties to address the matter conclusively. The petition was filed by nine women’s organisations, which are protesting the criteria used by the two principals to nominate Lichuma.
The nominee had emerged fourth from a list of six candidates forwarded to Kibaki and Raila by the interviewing panel.
Meanwhile, Parliament has approved the appointment of Sigor MP Wilson Litole to serve in the controversy-ridden Parliamentary Service Commission. Mr Litole replaces ODM’s Julius Murgor, who was appointed Assistant minister for Environment and Natural Resources.
About a fortnight ago, PNU also replaced Walter Nyambati with Wajir West MP Adan Keynan. Nyambati lost his seat in an election petition.
Deputy Leader of Government Business Amos Kimunya introduced the name saying Litole has the capacity to serve the House in such a position.
Lands Assistant Minister Bifwoli Wakoli said he hoped Litole would ‘bring new life to Parliament’, pointing out that the current crop of commissioners were not defending the House.
Stories by Peter Opiyo and Steve Mkawale
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