Uhuru list of Cabinet nominees challenged in court

President Uhuru Kenyatta at a past State House conference. ( Photo courtesy)

NAIROBI–At least three lobby groups have rejected Uhuru’s proposed Cabinet by filing petitions in court to stop Parliament from vetting the nominees on Thursday and Friday.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission, the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness, and the Federation of Women Lawyers argue Uhuru did not consider the constitutional threshold on gender representation, people living with disability and regional balance.

Cotu is also among organizations that are dissatisfied with the composition of Uhuru’s cabinet. Secretary General Francis Atwoli yesterday told the press Uhuru should address unconstitutional issues lobby groups and other stakeholders are raising.

“The Cabinet should be all-inclusive. Uhuru should get a way of including more women, youths and persons with disabilities,” Atwoli said.

Uhuru nominated six women of 20 CSs, a number the lobby groups argue does not meet two-thirds gender threshold provided in the Constitution for public appointments.

The lobby groups argue six slots given to women translate to 21 per cent of the 23-member Cabinet, the President, his deputy and Attorney General included. “The percentage of women in Cabinet remains grossly below the constitutionally stipulated percentage. Worst still, it has retrogressed,” KHRC has said.

As the nominees submit themselves to public scrutiny, focus will be on their past conduct and burning questions will come up relating to their track record.

National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi will chair the Committee on Appointments. The public is expected to make submissions on the suitability of the candidates.