Pressure
piles on principals to fill vacant posts
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Updated 2 hrs 40 mins
ago
By
Alex Ndegwa
President Kibaki and
Prime Minister Raila Odinga are under pressure to make substantive appointments
in the ministries of Local Government, and Internal security and Provincial
Administration because of pending elections.
Members of Parliament
say the critical roles of the ministries to secure homeland security, peaceful
elections, and smooth transition to devolved governments require that the
holders have undivided attention and power, the lawmakers argue.
Portfolios held in acting capacity, including
the Ministry of Industrialisation, which has been without a substantive
minister for the last 18 month, they say, should be filled because there are
competent individuals. The two principals are reportedly considering a Cabinet
reshuffle following the devastating loss of Internal Security Minister George
Saitoti and Assistant Minister Joshua Orwa Ojode.
The Local Government ministerial office fell vacant on May 2, when
Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi quit as minister and Orange Democratic
Movement deputy leader.
The sensitivity of the positions Saitoti and Ojode held, Kenya’s
military operation in Somalia, a breakaway threat at the Coast, and the need
for peaceful elections are reportedly influencing the impending shake up in
Government.
Kibaki this week, however, picked Defence Minister Yusuf Haji to
act as Internal Security minister, but MPs argue the circumstance of war and
elections require that the holder should have not have divided loyalties. It is
expected the changes will see the confirmation of Francis Kimemia as Head of
Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet. Mr Francis Muthaura held the
position, until he stepped aside following indictment by the International
Criminal Court.
Two dockets
On Wednesday, the chairman of Parliament’s Constitutional
Implementation Oversight Committee Abdikadir Mohammed said devolution was key
to implementation of the Constitution, stressing the line ministry, Local
Government, should have a full-time minister.
Abdikadir argued although the deadlock over the devolution laws
had been unlocked, much more was pending, including setting up of institutions,
structures, and systems to support the new levels of government.
“The earlier we have a substantive holder the better. On time
management it is expected a minister straddling two dockets would have half the
time for each,” Abdikadir said.
“In the last two weeks it had been evident that things were a
little bit lax,” he added, alluding to the standoff over Bills, which prompted CIOC
to intervene.
“It would have been nice to have a substantive minister to
partner with in these critical issues,” the Mandera Central MP said, referring
to a conference for MPs scheduled for the weekend on the preparedness of county
governments to run their affairs.
House Local Authorities Committee chairman David Ngugi said Local
Government was an executive portfolio, just like that of Finance, which
demanded a substantive holder.
“Devolution falls squarely on the ministry and we should not waste
time with an acting minister and people who are not in charge. I call on the
two principals to urgently appoint a substantive minister,” Ngugi pleaded.
Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto said while the
President and PM may have been reluctant to fill the vacant positions in
Internal Security so soon after the deaths of the two ministers, he advised
against the “stop gap measure” exceeding two weeks.
“Some ministries like Internal Security and Local Government are
too critical to be ignored. It is important that the principals make the
appointments,” Ruto said.
Nyakach MP Pollyns Ochieng, a member of Parliament’s
Administration and National Security, said the strategic docket of Internal
Security required “undivided attention”.
Acting capacity
“We have challenges on devolution and internal security. The
substantive appointments should be done as it is only in Kenya where such key
posts are held on acting capacity,” Ochieng’ said.
“All those positions can be held by any other MP because we have the
capacity. Where do the two principals expect their holders to come from if not
from among MPs?” he posed.
Haji and the late Saitoti worked closely in the operation against
Al Shabaab operating in Kenya and southern Somalia.
Regional Development Authorities minister Fred Gumo has been
acting as Local Government Minister after Mudavadi resigned.
Since early last year, Fisheries Development minister Amason Kingi
has led Ministry of Industrialisation following the resignation of Tinderet MP
Henry Kosgey over abuse of office charges. Also yet to be filled is the Public
Health Assistant minister’s post after West Mugirango MP James Gesami quit in
February over corruption-related charges.
At least three Permanent Secretaries are serving on acting
capacity. Mr Mutea Iringo took over from Kimemia at the Provincial
Administration and Internal Security ministry.
In Education, Prof George Godia has been acting PS following the
resignation of Prof James ole Kyiapi, who is seeking the presidency.
Mr Gichira Kibara is the acting PS in the Ministry of Justice,
National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs.
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