President William Ruto loyalists who were defeated in the August 9, general election were vetted for Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) on Friday, December 30, 2022.
The members who were vetted were United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairperson Johnston Muthama, and former Kisii Governor James Ongwae.
Others who faced the panel were ex-Members of Parliament Peter Mwathi (Limuru ), David Were (Matungu), and Cornellly Serem (Aldai).
Former Kwale county assembly Speaker Sammy Ruwa and John Ekale also presented themselves for grilling.
The members were vetted by PSC members chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.
Ongwae who had been a long-term member of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) joined Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza on September 9.
While appearing before the vetting committee, the former county boss defended his candidature maintaining that he was the ideal candidate for the job.
“My experience as Kisii governor for 10 years and Permanent Secretary in the regime of former Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki prepared me adequately to serve in the commission,” the former ODM luminary told the committee.
On the other hand, Muthama told the commission that as a former parliamentarian he would be the best fit.
"I believe I have the necessary experience to serve as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission with being a Member of Parliament for along time prepared me adequately," Muthama remarked.
Mwathi just like Muthama remarked that he had the relevant skills and experience to take up the job.
“As an MP, I previously served in the parliamentary commission and that gives me an edge of the other contestants,” he argued.
The nominees were being vetted by Moses Wetangula, Nominated Senator Joyce Korir, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni, Nyandarua Woman Rep Faith Gitau, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye and Commissioner Rachel Ameso.
PSC's main job is to ensure the smooth running of both Houses of Parliament, the Senate and the National Assembly.
The commission consists of a speaker of the national assembly who acts as chairperson, four members nominated equally from both houses, three members nominated by the parties not forming the national government, and one man and one woman appointed by Parliament from among persons who are experienced in public affairs but are not members of Parliament.
