Tuesday, June 25, 2013

More hurdles for Governor Mbugua Cabinet nominees

Updated Monday, June 24th 2013 at 21:10 GMT +3


Nakuru County Governor Kinuthia Mbugua (right) chairs a meeting in Nakuru recently. Eight of his Cabinet nominees were rejected by the County Assembly. [Photo: File/Standard]
By Patrick Kibet
Nakuru, Kenya: Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua faces a litany of cases over his decision to swear in eight county government officials, who had been rejected by the County Assembly.
Petitions have been filed by three voters,International Centre for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) and Rift Valley Law Society of Kenya at Nakuru High Court.
The first petition filed on June 6 by John Koech is before Justice Anyara Emukule. It sought to suspend a decision by Nakuru County Assembly to reject six county executives, two members of public service board and county secretary.
Through senior counsel Tom Ojienda, Koech told the court that the Committee on Appointments failed to meet the required legal standard in rejecting the nominees as it based its decision on non-existent criteria.
Subsequently, Emukule issued orders suspending the decision by the County Assembly, allowing the governor to swear in the eight officials who had earlier been rejected by the assembly on May 28.
Three petitions
On June 18, Pollyne Awoko (ICT and e-government), Julius Ogeto (Health), Stanley Chepkwony (Agriculture), Prof Mary Kariuki (Lands and Housing), Joseph Tonui (Education) and Mary Waiganjo were sworn into office at Rift Valley Sports Club amidst protest from County Assembly members.
Two members of the county public service board James Mwaura (chairman), Joseph Motari (secretary) and Peter Muriithi (member) were also sworn-in.
Following the orders by the High Court, two petitions challenging the move by the governor were filed last Friday seeking to stop the nominees from assuming office.
The court directed a judicial review brought by ICPC to be withdrawn and the parties to consolidate the three petitions and be heard together.
The petitions brought by Koech, ICPC and a Mr Ondieki will be heard on August 8 after parties agreed to file written submissions.

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