PNU rubbishes claims that Parliamentary Service Commission practice nepotism, graft

– October 7, 2011 By EDWIN MUTAI in Nairobi County October 7, 2011 Chairman of Paliamentary Service Commision Kenneth Marende Party of National Unity (PNU) has rubbished an attempt by a section of MPs to move a motion seeing to disband the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) on grounds of nepotism and ineptitude. PNU Secretary General Kiraitu Murungi said the attempt to remove the 10 member PSC is unconstitutional and the party will resist the same. PNU was reacting to reports that Gwasi MP John Mbadi has filed a motion with the Speaker Kenneth Marende seeking House dissolution of the committee that is also chaired by the Speaker. Mbadi in his motion accused PSC of hiring staff based on nepotism, neglecting members walfare, and influencing tenders to companies where they have interests. The Gwasi MP who is also supported by a number of MPs including Yatta’s Charles Kilonzo, Government Whip Jackoyo Midiwo accused PSC of the slow implementation of renovation of the Sh1 billion chamber. He said the PSC had failed to rein in on the contractor who is now running out of schedule to complete the chamber. The MP also accused the PSC of influencing who goes to oversees trips and inflating costs. He also cited unequal consideration on staff promotion based on ethnic lines other than professional qualifications thus demoralizing staff. The Gwasi MP MP also criticized the PSC for the slow pace of parliamentary reforms to align it with the articles of the new constitution. Mbadi also cited the controversy over hiring of new staff that was due for completion by December last year in readiness for the Senate and increased number of MPs. PNU, through PSC commissioner Jamleck Kamau availed to the press a statement signed by Kiraitu that stated that the party will retain its members in the all powerful committee. “Attempts by a section of MPs to move a motion to disband Parliamentary Service Commission is unconstitutional. PNU has no problem with its members in the commission and we have no intention of replacing them,” said Kiraitu in a three paragraphed statement to the press. The commission oversees the day to day running of parliament and its staff. A part from Marende who chairs the commission, other members are, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Jamleck (Kigumo), Peter Mwathi (Limuru), Zakayo Cheruiyot (Kuresoi), Olago Aluoch (Kisumu Town West), Chris Okemo (Nambale), Joseph Lekuton (Laisamis) and Clerk Patrick Gichohi. There are two vacancies, that of Walter Nyambati who was PSC Vice Chair and Philip Murgor who was appointed assistant minister. Nyambati lost his seat through a poll petition. Related Articles: •Liberian President Sirleaf, activists Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni win 2011 Nobel Peace Price •Mutula to gazette Political Parties Act on November 1, 2011 •Ocampo Three return from the Hague •Kidero eyes Governor Seat, says he’ll transform Nairobi to the better