Action CS Nominee Monica Juma Wants MPs not to Repeat

Foreign Affairs and International Trade CS nominee, Monica Juma, on Thursday pleaded with MPs in the Parliament Committee on Appointments not to disapprove her just like they did in 2015 when she was eyeing the Secretary to the Cabinet seat.

Explaining her case before the vetting committee chaired by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi at County Hall, Nairobi, Ms Juma stated she was vetted by Parliament in 2015 but “unfortunately was not approved”.

"I wish that I do not face double tragedy this time round," she stated when nominated MP Cecile Mbarire asked her what she learnt when MPs failed to approve her as Secretary to the Cabinet.

Juma was facing the panel for vetting as the Foreign CS to replace Amina Mohammed who was nominated in charge of Education Ministry.

[caption caption="Monica Juma appearing before the Parliament Committee"][/caption]

When Garissa Township MP Aden Duale questioned her on why the Kenyan Mission to the United Nations failed to comment on Donald Trump's Jerusalem policy, she told the panel that the Mission had been closed for holidays.

She reiterated that Kenya had always stood for self-determination refuting allegations that they had succumbed to pressure from the US Government.

"We've been defined by the support for self-determination. We're clear on that. The perception that our role is diminishing in the region is not true.

"We will push for a sound relationship within the region. It's our duty to nurse and nurture the relationship," the CS nominee asserted," she stated.

[caption caption="Monica Juma and President Kenyatta"][/caption]