Uncharted Waters: Committee Rejects President Ruto’s Pick for DRC Envoy
The Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations of the National Assembly has dismissed Charles Githinji Keiru, President William Ruto’s pick for Consul General in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a report presented to Parliament on Tuesday, the committee pointed out Githinji’s deficiency in the necessary qualities, expertise, skills, and experience.
During the nominee’s evaluation, he struggled to articulate the definition of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when questioned by Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech.
He struggled to clarify discrepancies in his academic records that were brought to light, and committee members closely examined his reported employment history, which included positions such as a former petrol station attendant, director at Ruaraka Choma Inn, and sales assistant at UNGA Limited.
“How will you carry out your responsibilities given your limitation in education and experience?” Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan posed then.
“I believe once approved by this committee, I will be able to go back to school and learn foreign affairs and learn more,” Githinji responded.
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Although the recommendation was made for the appointment of the remaining 25 nominees, concerns regarding their lack of experience, integrity issues, and absence of diplomatic credentials, especially for those expected to represent Nairobi in crucial capitals, were not satisfactorily resolved.
The 89-page document also gave the green light to three candidates: Abdi Aden Korio for Muscat, Oman; Lilian Tomitom for Lusaka, Zambia; and Kenneth Ng’ang’a for Abu Dhabi, UAE. Yet, there were reservations expressed regarding their general expertise.
Although there were doubts about their honesty, past performance, and diplomatic tactics in a changing global environment, the committee also greenlit the nominees for the Washington DC (David Kiplagat Kerich) and Los Angeles (Ezra Chiloba) diplomatic posts, which are both crucial positions.
“My education as a lawyer, one of the subjects I did was public international law. So, I am not that green in diplomacy,” said Kerich during the vetting.
“It is important to consider justice and fairness so that integrity is not integrity without justice,” said Chiloba.
If endorsed by the House, the 25 individuals will assume roles dedicated to advocating for Kenya’s interests in a rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape, amidst global trade conflicts and concerns about instability due to warfare in Europe and the unpredictable situation in the Middle East.
Uncharted Waters: Committee Rejects President Ruto’s Pick for DRC Envoy