Muthama resigns as UDA chairman ahead of MPs vetting

Johnson Muthama has resigned as the UDA party national chairman ahead of his approval by Parliament as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission.

Muthama was on Thursday unanimously endorsed by the National Assembly for the PSC slot after his name was tabled by the commission.

With one leg in the commission, the UDA stalwart, has resigned as party chairperson as he awaits approval by the Senate next week.

The House rules on nomination and approval of PSC commissioners require that both Houses approve the names before they are appointed.

Muthama will replace Samuel Chepkonga who resigned from PSC as the male public member ahead of the August 9 polls.

A public representative at the PSC is required not to be a leader or official of any political party.

Muthama confirmed on Friday that he had quit the party as he plans to face the Senate committee next week.

"I have handed over my resignation to the party headquarters. "What I'm doing right now is handing over to the party secretariat," Muthama explained.

The Senate's Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee is expected to hold a sitting to vet Muthama next week week.

His name will then be tabled in a report of approval by the committee to the House for approval.

The Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye has invited members of the public to submit their views on the suitability of Muthama to serve as PSC member.

Muthama will join the commission as a non-member of parliament representing the public for five-year term.

PSC members include Nyali MP Mohamed Ali (UDA), Patrick Makau (Mavoko, Wiper), Mishi Mboko (Likoni, ODM) and Faith Gitau (Nyandarua Woman Rep, UDA).

Senators Okong'o Omogeni (Nyamira, ODM), John Kinyua (Laikipia, UDA) and Joyce Korir (nominated, UDA) also sit in the PSC.

The Speaker of the National Assembly is the Chairperson while the Clerk of the Senate is the Secretary to the Commission.