By: John Kariuki
Worth Noting:
- Muthama, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament for Kangundo Constituency, a former Majority Chief Whip in the tenth Parliament and Minority Chief Whip in the Second Senate said his wealth of experience as a ranking legislator with vast knowledge in parliamentary affairs would be key in revitalizing and rejuvenating the PSC.
- “I am fully prepared, equipped and ready to do what needs to be done to propel this institution and to facilitate MPs to better execute their mandate,” said Muthama.
- While congratulating Senator Muthama as he handed him working equipment, Hon. Wetang’ula said Senator Muthama’s swearing in had completed the composition of PSC as stipulated by the constitution and would reinvigorate the commission to better discharge its duties.
Former Machakos Senator Johnston Nduya Muthama was today sworn in as commissioner to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) by the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula.
Muthama took an oath in a ceremony presided over by PSC Commission Chairperson, the National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula and attended by the Parliamentary Service Commissioners including; Nyali MP Mohamed Ali (UDA), Patrick Makau (Mavoko, Wiper), Mishi Mboko (Likoni, ODM) and Faith Gitau (Nyandarua Woman Rep, UDA), Senators Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira, ODM), John Kinyua (Laikipia, UDA), Joyce Korir (nominated, UDA), former Kakamega Woman Representative Rachel Ameso and Senior Parliamentary Staffers namely; the Clerk of the Senate / Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Jeremiah Nyegenye, the Director General, the Parliamentary Joint Services, Mr. Clement Nyandiere, Director Litigation, Compliance, Mr. Antony Njoroge, and Ag. Director PSC Secretariat Ms. Noor Ghalgan.
Sen. Muthama pledged to serve Parliament diligently borrowing from his vast experience to look into the affairs of Members and Staff of Parliament.
The swearing in followed the approval of Senator Muthama’s name by the National Assembly and the Senate, after a successful interview to fill the slot as stipulated under Article 127 (d) of the 2010 constitution of Kenya which requires that one man and one woman experienced in public affairs but are not Members of Parliament are appointed by Parliament to PSC.
Muthama, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament for Kangundo Constituency, a former Majority Chief Whip in the tenth Parliament and Minority Chief Whip in the Second Senate said his wealth of experience as a ranking legislator with vast knowledge in parliamentary affairs would be key in revitalizing and rejuvenating the PSC.
“I am fully prepared, equipped and ready to do what needs to be done to propel this institution and to facilitate MPs to better execute their mandate,” said Muthama.
While congratulating Senator Muthama as he handed him working equipment, Hon. Wetang’ula said Senator Muthama’s swearing in had completed the composition of PSC as stipulated by the constitution and would reinvigorate the commission to better discharge its duties.
“The work ahead of us is plenty and heavy. You will be called on short notice to hold critical meetings but that is the nature of our work. Everything that revolves around here will end on your desk as commissioners,” said Speaker Wetangu’la.
Wetang’ula who is the Chair of the Parliamentary Commission, acknowledged the wealth of experience brought about by PSC Commissioners most of whom are serving their second term in office.
He urged them to work together and shun divisive and retrogressive politics to succeed in discharging their mandate.
“Now we are fully constituted and we can now get down to work to ensure that we live to our core values, to our mission and vision of ensuring that members effectively and efficiently discharge cardinal duties as enshrined in the constitution”, added Speaker.
Speaker Wetang’ula underscored the importance of commissioners working in a non-partisan manner to mitigate any administrative challenges in the institution that occur in the institution.
Further, Hon. Wetang’ula urged the commission to amicably resolve all administrative disputes between the Senate and the National Assembly for smooth operations of both Houses.
“We have no spare country. We may quarrel or disagree but at the end of the day no Angels will descend from Heaven to look over our country,” said Hon. Wetang’ula.
The Speaker emphasized that both him and Senator Muthama had a wealth of experience having served in both Houses of Parliament and should therefore discourage any disharmony emanating from the two Houses for the prosperity of the institution.
Alex Njeru