Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was on Monday invited to give an address on Kenyan devolution governance journey at Chatham House in London on July 2.
The news, however, angered a section of Kenyans who were up in arms over the invite terming it a "mockery."
Using the Hashtag #SomeoneTellChathamHouse, tweeps launched a campaign appealing Chatham House to reconsider the invite to the Jubilee Governor.
[caption caption="Some of the reactions compiled"]
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"Will you please stop this mockery of the Kenyan people as you are trying to by inviting Anne Waiguru to speak on Governance? #SomeoneTellChathamHouse that Waiguru is still a suspect in the #NYSScandal. A mega heist that has left Kenya poorer than was before," one user wrote.
"Dear @ChathamHouse We are horrified by your considering to invite the corrupt and overly crooked Ann Waiguru to speak to honourable people. Please redeem the respect and excellency accorded Chatham house by immediately cancelling her invitation. #SomeoneTellChathamHouse," another conveyed.
[caption caption="Some of the reactions compiled"]
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A user added: "@ChathamHouse this is totally unacceptable and absolutely disrespectful to Kenyans to invite one @AnneWaiguru who catwalked away with billions or our taxes, cancel that invitation ASAP. #SomeonetellChathamHouse."
Chiming in the debate, journalist Saddique Shaban proposed that Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana was better suited to give the address.
Waiguru will present a clear outline of what the last five years have been for the Kenyan devolution governance journey in the conference dubbed ‘Five Years of Devolution in Kenya: Towards Inclusion, Gender Equality and Accountable Governance’.
According to the Chatham House website, Governor Waiguru, who doubles up as the vice-chairperson of the council of governors in Kenya, will be expected to discuss her perspectives on the successes and challenges of implementing devolution.
The institution aims at building a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world, through informed debate, independent analysis, new policy ideas, and outreach to audiences.
[caption caption="Some of the reactions compiled"]
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"We engage governments, the private sector, civil society and our members in open debate and private discussions about the most significant developments in international affairs," reads a description on their website.
Kenyan personalities who have given an address at the House include President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta giving an address at Chatham House in London in April 2018"]
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