Manoah Esipisu Puzzles MPs After Listing Uhuru as Referee

Members of the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee were on Thursday left confused after former State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu listed President Uhuru Kenyatta as his referee.

The legislators questioned how Esipisu, who was appointed as Kenya's envoy to the United Kingdom (UK), expected them to get in touch with Uhuru to seek clarifications or confirmations on his conduct.

"He was my primary supervisor for 5 years. That's why he's my referee. The committee chairman can help you get to him in case of any clarification," Esipisu defended the move.

[caption caption="UK envoy nominee Manoah Esipisu during the vetting"][/caption]

On his part, Limuru MP Peter Mwathi accused Esipisu of being unapproachable, "I know you are a very good communicator but very unfriendly".

"You are now going to be a diplomat and must start knowing how to handle people, not the way you did at State House," Mwathi quipped.

The nominee, however, refuted the allegations indicating that "probably Mr Mwathi found me on my bad day. I am otherwise a very friendly person".

"I can't have worked with all these heads of state and organisations without being friendly," Esipisu defended his character and conduct.

Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan put Manoah to task on what he will do to resolve the "hostile and difficult" UK Visa application which he indicated has become a nightmare.

"Engagement with the diaspora is my priority area. Kenyans in the diaspora are my primary responsibility. I will appeal to Kenyans to register so that in case there's an issue, it can be resolved. I will reach out to all Kenyans in Britain," Esipisu responded.

[caption caption="Manoah Esipisu (fourth left) during a meeting between President Uhuru and President of Senegal Macky Sall "][/caption]

Esipisu was edged from State House following the appointment of former Citizen TV news anchor Kanze Dena both as the acting Spokesperson and the head of Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU).

Following the exit of Esipisu, State House communication organs have undergone a notable transformation including the recent deleting of President Uhuru's and PSCUs Twitter account.