The verdict of the Committee on Appointment in regards to the suitability of three Cabinet Secretary nominees will be known on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
President William Ruto late last year nominated Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture and Livestock Development), William Kabogo (ICT and Digital Economy), and Lee Kinyanjui (Investments, Trade, and Industry).
The three appeared before Speaker Moses Wetang’ula-led committee for vetting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Members questioned the nominees on their qualifications and suitability to assume their respective roles.
Each nominee also faced rigorous inquiries regarding their past tenures in public office.
“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 said at the end of the exercise.
Mutahi Kagwe on spot over COVID-19 scam
Mutahi Kagwe, a former Health Cabinet Secretary, was pressed on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Members raised concerns about alleged scandals during the pandemic’s peak.
Kagwe denied any wrongdoing, attributing the claims to cartels resisting reform.
“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.
He also pledged to use lessons from the pandemic to reform Kenya’s agricultural sector through science and innovation.
Regarding the proposed mass livestock vaccination program, he advocated for a consultative approach.
“The decision to vaccinate livestock ultimately lies with the owner. Experts will be involved to address misconceptions and provide facts,” he said.
Kagwe also emphasized the need for scientific validation before introducing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into Kenya.
“We are not guinea pigs,” he declared, assuring that no untested products would be approved under his leadership.
Kabogo responds to drug cartels links
On his part, William Kabogo faced questions about allegations linking him to drug cartels and the tragic death of university student Mercy Keino in 2011. Kabogo vehemently denied the accusations.
“I do not do hard drugs and I have tirelessly battled accusations of being a drug dealer. I have sued some media houses over these claims and won,” he stated.
On Mercy Keino’s death, Kabogo clarified, “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 pledged to focus on empowering youth through ICT if confirmed, saying, “I will champion laws to channel young people’s energy into productive ventures that generate income.”
Meanwhile, Lee Kinyanjui was questioned about allegations of relocating street children from Nakuru town to Embobut Forest during his tenure as Nakuru Governor.
He dismissed the 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 explained.
Kinyanjui also addressed concerns about stagnation in Kenya’s manufacturing sector, citing the high cost of energy as a major impediment.
“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.
