The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, George Ruku, and Gender and Culture, Hanna Wendot Cheptum, will be vetted on April 14, the National Assembly has announced.
In an official notice dated Thursday, April 3, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula revealed that the names and curriculum vitae of the candidates were forwarded to the Committee of Appointments for consideration, culminating in the vetting date.
"It is notified to the general public that under Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 6(4) of the Public Appointments (parliament approval) Act the committee shall conduct approval hearings (vetting) of Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Wendot Cheptum on Monday, April 14 at 2pm and 4pm respectively," the notice read on part.
The National Assembly has also invited the public to submit any reservations they may have against the appointment of the two candidates.
Kenyans with reservations about the appointment have been asked to provide written statements on oath with supporting evidence contesting the suitability of Ruku and Wendot as Cabinet Secretaries in their respective portfolios.
The memoranda of negations may be submitted to the clerk of the National Assembly in Nairobi, hand-delivered to the office of the clerk at Parliament buildings, or emailed to parliament before 5pm on April 10.
Both Ruku and Wendot are expected to carry along their original identity cards, academic certificates, and other relevant testimonials.
MP Ruku landed the CS position after President William Ruto reshuffled the cabinet, with Ruku replacing Justin Muturi.
According to Ruto, Muturi was dismissed due to his frequent absences from cabinet meetings and his struggles in fulfilling his duties.
However, in a staunch rejoinder, Muturi dismissed Ruto's reason, revealing that he had been fired from the position for his bold stand on the recent forced disappearances that had faced the country.
He clarified that he had previously condemned forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the country and had even recorded a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding the matter.
Despite his dismissal, Muturi remained adamant that he was not going to be silenced.
"If their intention is to silence me, they have dialed the wrong number, for I will never tire of championing for the rights of the people of Kenya," Muturi declared.
