Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is back to the drawing board after Nairobi MCAs rejected county secretary nominee Jairus Musumba.
Musumba had appeared before the county assembly appointments committee.
However, it appears that the MCAs didn’t find him suitable for the position.
Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu stated that Musumba failed to respond to most questions that were posed to him raising questions about his competence.
"We have tested the candidate, we have looked at the merits and demerits of the candidate and we have concluded the nominee is not fit for the job. We cannot have Jairus Musumba as a county secretary. He is incompetent," Kiragu said.
During Vetting, Musumba had been put to ask to explain why land belonging to Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company in Eastleigh was grabbed and no action was taken.
In his response, Musumba said he was not aware of grabbing having taken place.
"For every question, we asked it was disappointing to get the answers. I do not know... Nairobi county should not have such an individual for such a job. He has been misadvising the entire executive," said nominated MCA Emily Ominde.
Going further, Kilimani MCA Moses Ogeto also noted that it was an illegality to have Musumba act for two years while the constitution is clear that no officer should act for close to two years.
"We will even ask EACC to probe him. We need somebody who is serious and sober for this job," he said.
Musumba has been acting as county secretary since 2019.
As a result, the MCAs want Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to nominate another person for the position.
Majority leader Peter Imwatok highlighted that the name should be forwarded within seven days.
“Pursuant to provisions of county government act. This house resolves to reject the nominee for the county secretary job. The committee resolves that Governor Sakaja appoints another officer other than the nominee within seven days before the position is substantively filled up," Imwatok said.
The county secretary is the backbone of all Nairobi public services.
Between 2013-2022, Nairobi had eight county secretaries.
They include Lillian Ndegwa, Gregory Mwakanongo (in an acting capacity), Robert Ayisi, Leboo Ole Morintat in an acting capacity, Peter Kariuki, Pauline Kahiga and Justus Kathenge and Jairus Musumba in an acting capacity
