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{
"id": 1284744,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1284744/?format=api",
"text_counter": 93,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Tharaka, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. George Murugara",
"speaker": null,
"content": "advocate, Hon. Francis Joseph Kajwang’, the Member for Ruaraka. The others included our Chief Whip, Hon. Osoro Silvanus Onyiego, Hon. Makali John Okwisia, Hon. Muriu Edward Wakili, Hon. Jane Maina Njeri, Hon. Gichohi Kaguchia John Philip and Hon. Mogaka Stephen, and not leaving out another long-serving advocate Hon. Aden Daudi of Wajir East. We also had Members who are possibly paralegals by now. They include Hon. Muchira Michael Mwangi and Hon. Siyad Amina Udgoon. We all sat and listened to the nominee responding to questions. We evaluated his academic papers and other documents and confirmed that the nominee was suitable. His responses to our questions left us without a doubt that he understood what was expected of him. Each of these Members asked him questions to establish whether he was prepared to take up such an onerous position of DPP in the country. The country has been without DPP for a while, so there was some anxiety we had to allay. Some of the questions touched on what we consider to be fundamental today. We know the Office of DPP recently terminated high cases for lack of evidence. The question was why such cases were taken to court when there was insufficient evidence. His response was that it remains the question, but he would put together a team of advocates, once appointed, to look at all cases taken to the office to confirm whether they can be sustained in court or they are cases that should not be proceeded with. Another interesting question was how he would cushion the office against interference by the Executive and any other arm of government, including Parliament. His response was that bearing in mind that the Office of DPP is an independent office, he would avoid any activities that may reveal elements of interference. He said that while he knows that he has to cooperate with the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary when working, he also knows that he must avoid involvement in matters that may compromise the office. We then went into a long debate and produced a comprehensive Report, which we may all have to look at. You will see that having considered all the matters, including his background as a practising advocate, we also went into the process of his nomination by the Public Service Commission that interviewed him after the Selection Panel shortlisted him. We also went into his suitability, including academic qualifications. We were satisfied that he meets all the requirements, including his response to questions under Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Public Officer Ethics Act as regards civil servants. His response was satisfactory. In summary, after listening to him, we formed an opinion that the nominee is qualified. He is a Kenyan citizen, and does not have dual citizenship. We also confirmed that being an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 18 years of experience, he meets the requirements of Article 157 (3) of the Constitution. We also confirmed that the nominee meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. We further interrogated him and confirmed that with regard to his tax compliance, higher education loans repayments, ethics and integrity, criminal records, and other political party affiliations, he has met the statutory requirements for appointment to the office as proposed. Finally, the Committee invited the public to submit memoranda under oath on the nominee’s suitability to hold office as required by the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act. We wish to confirm to this House that no memorandum in opposition was received. I also wish to confirm that we got memoranda in his support. This is not a requirement in approval hearings. However, it is worth noting that even the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) wrote a memorandum supporting his appointment as the DPP. Therefore, having weighed all the matters that were brought to the Committee and having considered everything that was submitted to us, we now wish to confirm that we have made a Report, which I present to the House, recommending that the National Assembly approves the appointment of Mr. Renson Mulele Ingonga to the position of Director of Public The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}