President Willian Ruto’s nominee to Kampala Uganda – Joash Maangi – on Thursday struggled to prove his innocence before a parliamentary panel considering suitability of ambassadors nominees.
The ex-Kisii Deputy Governor who was second to appear before the vetting panel, was confronted by an ongoing case involving a company where he is a director and National Housing Corporation.
EACC had recommended that he be charged but DPP instead returned the file ordering further investigations.
“A recommendation to charge Joash Arthur Maangi and other persons was made in a matter relating to the NHC housing project to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The DPP returned the file to EACC for further investigations which are ongoing,” the memo reads.
According to Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission memorandum to the committee chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, the company was paid for housing units in Langata and which the anti-graft agency is contesting.
The 2010 case is still under investigation by EACC.
Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan wondered why the nominee could not wait to dispense with the case before taking up the foreign assignment.
“The chair mentioned that EACC is investigation you, you are under investigation. A dark cloud is hanging over you. Would it not be better for you and your country that you stand aside and clear your name before taking the assignment?” Yusuf posed.
Maangi while admitting that he is indeed a director at the said firm, said the company is a legal entity and if anyone is to be found culpable then it is the company’s chief executive officer and the managing director.
“I am 100 per cent sure that I am innocent, this was a witch-hunt. I am confident I am a good citizen and ready to take up my assignment.
The former Deputy Governor also told the committee that he is worth Sh693 million with an estimated income of between Sh800 million to Sh900 million.
The National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech started approval hearings of the envoys.
On Thursday, the committee had session with Catherine Kirumba (London, United Kingdom), Maangi (Kampala, Uganda) and former West Pokot Woman Rep Lilian Tomitom (Lusaka, Zambia).
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jonah Mwangi and ex-LSK vice chairperson Caroline Kamende Daudi (Ottawa, Canada) also appeared before Koech-led vetting panel.
Appearing before the panel, Kirumba promised to push for balance of trade between Kenya and UK especially the banned miraa export.
The nominee also pledged to use her office to expedite the compensation of Mau Mau veterans case following the atrocities meted by the British soldiers during the struggle for independence.
“There is active conversation between Mau association and UK government, I will look at what is it I can facilitate by virtue of my office without necessarily interfering,” Kirumba told the vetting panel.
Kirumba worth Sh250 million, was responding to question by Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima who had sought explanation of her intention to bring to an end the case.
“Some time back the British tried to compensate some Kenyans through court cases but still a number of people have not been compensated, what are you going to do to ensure they get justice before they die?” Kirima posed.
On her part, Tomitom pledged to push for trade opportunities between Kenya and Zambia if her nomination is successful.
The former teacher told MPs that she is worth Sh60 million.
Kamende, nominated as Kenya High Commissioner to Canada promised to use her international experience to improve trade ties between Kenya and Canada with the country enjoying diplomatic ties for the last 60 years.
She told the vetting panel that Kenya and Canada have enjoyed cordial relationship since independence where Kenya has received support in trade, peace keeping and climate change.
The Advocate of the High Court attributed the current low trade volumes to lack of market access resulting to trade imbalance.
She promised to engage both Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Canadian Africa business chamber to increase trade between the two countries.
“I will try come up to come with policies that will expand the trade ties with a balanced trade engagement while looking at all bilateral agreements within the two countries while establishing partnerships with the business community in Canada,” Kamende told the Panel.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo challenged the nominee to come clear on her part affiliation and whether the same will not affect her in the new assignment.
“If approved for this position I will serve my country as High Commissioner, my political affiliation will not matter since I will become a state officer, I will discharge my duties of office professionally and as per the oath of office given an opportunity,” Kamende responded.
