Nairobi — Former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi's nomination to head the high commission in Uganda faced intense scrutiny Thursday as he appeared before the Defense and Foreign Relations Committee for vetting.
His nomination was overshadowed by an ongoing investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into a corruption scandal involving a National Housing Corporation (NHC) housing project.
The former Deputy Governor clarified to the committee that the investigation pertained to a company he was associated with, which had constructed NHC houses in Langata before handing them over to the corporation.
Despite completing the project, the company faced legal challenges, though it has prevailed in court up to the appeal level.
"Given the importance of the role of a high commissioner, why not step aside to clear your name before being appointed?" queried Kamkunji MP Yussuf Hassan.
However, Maangi remained resolute in his innocence, attributing the investigation to a political vendetta tied to his political affiliations.
"I am confident of my innocence. This was a politically motivated witch-hunt. I am a law-abiding citizen ready to serve; I have not faced charges in any court," Maangi asserted.
Committee Chairman Nelson Koech said the EACC's recommendations on Maangi's suitability would factor into the committee's final decision.
MPs also raised concerns about Maangi's reported net worth of Sh693 million, which did not tally with his disclosed income of Sh25 million last year.
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He clarified that the Sh25 million constituted a one-time payment owed to him over an extended period.
"I accurately reported my income for the previous year. The apparent spike was due to the settlement of a long-standing debt. Some of my properties, such as residences in Kisii, Nairobi, and Minnesota, are not income-generating," Maangi elaborated.
Other nominees equally faced questions about their suitability for diplomatic roles.
Catherine Kirumba Karemu, nominated for the high commissioner post in the United Kingdom, responded to queries about her diplomatic aptitude.
Caroline Kamende, former Vice President of the Law Society of Kenya and nominee for Kenya's High Commissioner to Canada, pledged to leverage her international experience to bolster trade ties between the two nations.
Former Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi, nominated as Kenya's Ambassador to Iran, vowed to use his 42-year military career to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in trade and agriculture.
Lillian Tomitom, former West Pokot County MP and nominee for High Commissioner to Zambia, emphasized the importance of promoting trade activities with Zambia, a major maize producer.
She stressed the significance of agricultural promotion for economic growth and pledged to prioritize this in her role.
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