President Uhuru Kenyatta's proposed Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee Ukur Yattani, who was the former Marsabit Governor, on Thursday suffered a major setback after his nomination was rejected in his backyard by a section of County leaders.
Through a statement, the leaders accused Mr Yatani of instigating divisive politics of exclusion, cultivation of suspicion, fear, and mistrust among communities, which they stated is what has thrived his career.
"Such politics is toxic to our national integration and cohesion and appointing Ukur would, therefore, reward his efforts to create ethnic partition and social disharmony in Marsabit," they stated.
The leaders also disclosed that the proposed CS is involved in mega scandals which involve misappropriation of funds, corrupt scandals and abuse of office adding that he is under investigation by the EACC.
"This appointment is tantamount to celebrating impunity and divisive politics, it is unmerited and does not advance the interest and the aspirations of Kenyans," part of the statement read.
[caption caption="Proposed CS Ukur Yattan and President Kenyatta"]
[/caption]
They also conveyed that Mr Kenyatta could have considered other individuals from Marsabit region before settling for the former Governor.
"We are ready to take any legal actions available to us to ensure that this untrusted nominee should not be appointed to the benefit of Marsabit County and the region.
"We undertake to petition Amb Ukur's nomination to the Parliamentary Vetting and Appointment Committee." they asserted.
In reaction, Ambassador Yatani faulted Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali for the backlash stating that it is part of his malicious plan to sabotage his vetting process.
[caption caption="Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali"]
[/caption]
"I am forever indebted to the President for nominating me as one CS.
"In choosing me, he must have been informed of my professional and development record in the various spheres of public service.
"It is, therefore, not only disrespectful but bizarre for a section of leaders to threaten the President that they were not consulted on the nomination," he stated in a statement.
