The National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments has approved the nomination of Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, Hon. William Kabogo, and Hon. Lee Kinyanjui for appointment to the positions of Cabinet Secretaries for Agriculture, ICT, and Trade, respectively.
The approval followed a rigorous vetting process, during which committee members, led by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, thoroughly questioned the nominees on their qualifications and past tenures in public office.
Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, a former Health Cabinet Secretary, faced intense scrutiny regarding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee members raised concerns about alleged scandals during the pandemic’s peak.
Kagwe, however, denied any wrongdoing, attributing the claims to cartels resisting reforms.
He assured the committee that he was ready to tackle any challenges posed by such groups.
“In every ministry, there are cartels that may resist change.
I am prepared for the challenges that may arise when they push back,” he stated.
Kagwe also highlighted his intention to apply the lessons learned from the pandemic to reform Kenya’s agricultural sector through science and innovation, including a consultative approach to the proposed mass livestock vaccination program.
Additionally, Kagwe emphasized the importance of scientific validation before introducing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into Kenya.
“We are not guinea pigs,” he remarked, stressing that no untested products would be approved under his leadership.
Hon. William Kabogo, nominated for the ICT position, was questioned about allegations linking him to drug cartels and his involvement in the 2011 death of university student Mercy Keino.
Kabogo strongly denied the accusations, asserting that he had no involvement in drug trafficking or Keino’s tragic death.
“I do not do hard drugs. I have tirelessly battled accusations of being a drug dealer. I have sued some media houses over these claims and won,” he explained.
On the issue of Mercy Keino’s death, he stated, “I want to categorically state that I had no involvement in her tragic passing. An inquest concluded it was a hit-and-run accident.”
Kabogo also pledged to empower youth through ICT and champion laws aimed at channelling young people’s energy into productive ventures.
Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, nominated for the Trade position, faced questions about allegations that he had relocated street children from Nakuru town to Embobut Forest during his tenure as Nakuru Governor.
Kinyanjui strongly dismissed these claims as politically motivated fabrications.
“It is not true that I collected all street children from Nakuru and dumped them in Embobut Forest. That is a fiction manufactured by my political detractors,” he said.
Kinyanjui also addressed concerns regarding stagnation in Kenya’s manufacturing sector, pointing to the high cost of energy as a major challenge.
“The cost of energy in Kenya is the fourth most expensive in Africa. If confirmed, I will work closely with the Energy Ministry to reduce energy costs immediately,” he said.
At the conclusion of the vetting exercise, Speaker Wetang’ula expressed his satisfaction with the process.
“I am pleased that we have thoroughly vetted the nominees and assessed their suitability for office.
The Committee will present its report to the House during a special sitting on Thursday for consideration,” Wetang’ula stated.
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