Members of the National Assembly have opposed the decision by the committee on appointments to reject Tourism Cabinet Secretary nominee Peninah Malonza.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula put the question to the members on the rejection of Malonza as unanimously proposed by the committee.
However, the members through an acclamation vote overturned the rejection of Malonza.
Thereafter, Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu rose to move a motion for the house to approve the nominee.
Kasalu, while moving the motion described Malonza as bold and a person of unquestionable integrity.
She further underscored Malonza’s experience in public service including her stint as the deputy governor of Kitui County.
“In view of the house decision today and the approval of the appointment of Peinah Malonza as the CS for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage and the requirement for an unequivocal decision of the National Assembly on such matters, I beg to move that pursuant to the provisions of article 122 (2) of the constitution and section 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments Act of 2011, that this House approves the appointment of Peninah Malonza as the CS Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage,” she stated.
The motion was seconded by Endebess Member of Parliament Dr Robert Pukose.
Subsequent to the motion, the speaker put a question to the members who unanimously voted to approve Malonza through an acclamation vote.
The committee had reported that Malonza failed to demonstrate knowledge of topical, administrative and technical issues related to the docket of tourism and wildlife.
“The nominee lacks requisite abilities and experience to serve as the cabinet secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage,” the committee reported.
The members also approved the appointment of Public Service and Gender CS nominee Aisha Jumwa and of Agriculture CS nominee Mithika Linturi. The minority side had also challenged the suitability of the foregoing nominees, citing integrity questions.
