Kenya’s nominee for ambassador to the Vatican, Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe, has declared personal assets worth Ksh80 million, according to documents from his parliamentary vetting process.
The National Assembly’s departmental committee on defence, intelligence and foreign relations has backed Mbijiwe’s appointment after he satisfied all legal and integrity checks.
The committee confirmed that he had obtained the necessary clearances from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Higher Education Loans Board and the Commission for University Education.
Additionally, he has no criminal record or pending cases in court.
“Having conducted the approval hearing… the Committee recommends that the House approves the appointment of Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe as the Ambassador to the Vatican, the Holy See,” said the committee chairperson, Nelson Koech, who is also the Belgut MP.
The nominee holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Project Planning and Management, as well as a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Science) from Kenyatta University.
“In addition, his deep Catholic faith and active participation in church activities were seen as relevant attributes for engagement with the Vatican,” the committee outlined in a report.
President William Ruto put forward Mbijiwe’s name last month. The nominee currently serves as chief of staff in the Meru County government and was an MCA from 2013 to 2022.
If endorsed by the full National Assembly, Mbijiwe will take up the sensitive diplomatic role representing Kenya at the Holy See in Vatican City.
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