The National Assembly has dismissed a list of purported cabinet nominees circulating on social media and online platforms.
The new list of said cabinet appointments comes as fractions emerge within the Kenya Kwanza administration after the ouster of Rigathi Gachagua and the entry of opposition chief Raila Odinga's allies.
In the list, Charity Ngilu, Junet Mohamed, Christina Pratt Kenyatta Jeniffer Shamalla, Mutahi Kagwe, Okiya Omtata, Morara Kebaso, and Kanini Kega have been allegedly appointed for cabinet positions.
The notice further alleged that the National Assembly was to avail a commission to vet them before they officially assume the office. However, the National Assembly has disputed the letter, which is addressed to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Twalib Mbarak.
“This list has not come through any official channels within the National Assembly, and we urge the public to disregard it, as no formal communication or announcement has been issued by the Office of the President,” the statement clarified.
The letter allegedly written by the Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge, asked the EACC to review each nominee's background in accordance with the legal standards established for public office.
The letter, however, did not specify the respective dockets of the eight listed persons. Besides the obvious lack of the respective docket, the letter which bears the signature of the National Assembly Clerk, is dated Tuesday, November 5, and has the national emblem which could make it pass easily as authentic.
However, a closer look, the letter lacks a stamp from the National Assembly and also lacks a stamp from EACC, which is often the case, marking when the letter was received by the authority. Our efforts to reach the EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi before going to press did not succeed.
“We respectfully request that your findings be submitted by Friday, November 8, 2024, to enable further proceedings within the stated timelines,” the fake letter alleged.
Following the fake letter, the Parliament advised the public and media to treat the list with contempt and scorn, noting that it was fake since no official communication regarding any new cabinet nomination had reached the National Assembly.
