Senate seeks to nullify CBK governor’s appointment

Newly appointed Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr Patrick Njoroge, his deputy and chairman could be asked to step aside for fresh vetting if the senate has its way.

Senators say the National Assembly violated the Constitution and the Central Bank Act when it unilaterally vetted the nominee for the Central Bank Governor, who assumed office on June 26, deputy governor Sheila M’Mbijiwe and board chairman Mohammed Nyaoga.

Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro yesterday said President Uhuru Kenyatta breached the law by forwarding the nominees to only the National Assembly while the law refers to nominees being forwarded to Parliament, which consists of two houses – the National Assembly and the Senate.

“The constitution as read with the Central Bank of Kenya Act sections 13 and 13b require that both the National Assembly and the Senate vet and approve the nominees for governor and deputy governor,” Mr Ethuro said.  “The Senate has not been informed of any nominees for the positions and has neither vetted nor approved any person for the appointment to these positions.”

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Soon after the speaker made the ruling, senators urged the President to declare the process null and void.  Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, who had sought the directions from the speaker on the matter last month, accused Uhuru of violating the constitution. 
Mr Khalwale said the President had engaged in gross misconduct and any citizen can move to court to challenge the appointments.

Nominated Senator Janet Ongera said the top CBK officials should step aside and allow the process to start fresh.  Minority leader Moses Wetangula accused Attorney General Githu Muigai, Solicitor General Njee Muturi and State House legal adviser Abdikadir Mohammed of misleading the President.

Other senators who raised concerns that the law was not followed are Mutahi Kagwe of Nyeri, John Lonyangapuo of West Pokot, James Orengo of Siaya, Muriuki Karue of Nyandarua, Mutula Kilonzo Jr of Makueni, Kennedy Mongare of Nyamira, Kiraitu Murungi of Meru, Stewart Madzayo of Kilifi, Moses Kajwang’ of Homa Bay and nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro.

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