Parliamentary Committee On Appointments Vets Cabinet Secretary Nominees
Mutahi Kagwe
By MKT Correspondents
Worth Noting:
- 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.
- He denied any wrongdoing, attributing the claims to cartels resistance 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.
- Kagwe 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.
The National Assembly Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula successfully concluded the vetting of three Cabinet Secretary nominees.
The committee conducted approval hearings for Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture and Livestock Development), William Kabogo (ICT and Digital Economy), and Lee Kinyanjui (Investments, Trade, and Industry).
Led by Wetang’ula, the committee 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.
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.
He denied any wrongdoing, attributing the claims to cartels resistance 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.
Kagwe 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.
He 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.
On his part, 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. 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.”
He 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.”
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.
He 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.
At the conclusion of the vetting excercise, the Speaker expressed gratitude to the Committee members for their diligence.
“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,” said the Speaker.
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