National Assembly Speaker, Justin Muturi, has explained why the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Heritage, Richard Achesa, joined the Cabinet despite having questionable academic qualifications.
Speaking in Mombasa, he noted that there are no academic qualifications for a CS position clearing the air on the Minister who allegedly dropped out of school with only basic formal education.
“What is the requirement to be appointed Cabinet Secretary? The Constitution is very clear. Today we want to turn and twist [matters]. There is no particular requirement indeed ... just being a male or female adult of sound mind. That’s all.
“If a fellow is able to read and write, and is able to express themselves either in English or Swahili, that’s all," he was quoted by The Star.
[caption caption="Speaker Muturi addressing the press (Twitter)"]
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He also defended the Committee on Appointment, which he chairs, indicating that they did their job as required by law.
Muturi also refuted the claims that the vetting was a coronation ceremony for President Uhuru Kenyatta's Cabinet Secretary nominees.
He pointed out that the Constitution stipulates other means for dealing with a CS or state officer who is unable to discharge his mandate as required.
“It is true the Constitution has placed certain education requirements for various candidates – governors, deputies, MPs - but it has placed no (education) requirement at all (on the CS position). I challenge anybody who thinks to the contrary to just look at the Constitution. There is no requirement,” the Speaker stated.
During the vetting, he noted that their focus was whether a nominee meets the threshold of the Leadership and Integrity Act, and also if he or she has leadership skills.
[caption caption="President Uhuru and the newly appointed CSs (Twitter)"]
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The Speaker finally urged Kenyans to stop speculating a lot on the subject of Cabinet appointments stating: “Are we not expected to look at every issue and make decisions based on merit? It is good to be critical but we also we need to be realistic."
