I’m the right man for this job — Muthaura

Kenya's President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and former head of Public Service Francis Muthaura leaving the ICC building at a past event. Photo/FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• He said his appointment was based on “merit and wide international experience” and that he is the most ideal person to head the parastatal.
• Mr Muthaura’s appointment elicited mixed reactions among the Meru leadership, with some MPs asking the President to reconsider his decision.
• Elsewhere, Narok County leaders cried foul over the appointments of parastatals chiefs. Narok Senator Stephen ole Ntutu and Narok South MP Korei ole Lemein said professionals from the area have been left out despite the region having voted overwhelmingly for Jubilee.

By NATION TEAM
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Former head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura has praised President Kenyatta for appointing him to chair a parastatal’s board and said he is ideal for the job.

Mr Muthaura said he is the right man to lead the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) Corridor Development Authority.

He described the appointment as a “favour” from the President and pledged to ensure the Lapsset project becomes a reality soon.

He spoke during a thanks-giving ceremony for Meru County Assembly Speaker Kaberia Arimba in Meru.

“I consider the appointment a great favour and I am more than willing — with the help of other professionals, local leaders and political leaders — to make this project work for the betterment of Kenya’s economy,” said Mr Muthaura.

He said his appointment was based on “merit and wide international experience” and that he is the most ideal person to head the parastatal.

MIXED REACTIONS

Mr Muthaura’s appointment elicited mixed reactions among the Meru leadership, with some MPs asking the President to reconsider his decision.

Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi, Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki and Tharaka Nithi County Senator Kithure Kindiki have criticised Mr Muthaura’s appointment.

They asked the Head of State to give priority to Tharaka Nithi, Igembe and Nyambene areas.

Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi and Governor Peter Munya supported Mr Muthaura’s appointment.

“President Kenyatta is making Meru great by recognising our son, Mr Muthaura. He is the most prominent person as far as that appointment is concerned,” said Mr Murungi.

The Meru Professionals Association defended the choice of Mr Muthaura as the Lapsset boss.

Constitutional law scholar Yash Pal Ghai condemned the appointments, saying they were “unconstitutional”.

At the same time, Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo opposed the appointment of former presidential candidate Abduba Dida to head the Constituency Development Fund, terming it irregular.

Elsewhere, Narok County leaders cried foul over the appointments of parastatals chiefs. Narok Senator Stephen ole Ntutu and Narok South MP Korei ole Lemein said professionals from the area have been left out despite the region having voted overwhelmingly for Jubilee.

Ol jororok MP J.M. Waiganjo, however, welcomed the appointment, saying President Kenyatta was free to select the heads as he was given the mandate to lead the country.

TNA national chairman Johnson Sakaja also supported the appointments, saying the President had chosen capable individuals who were well- suited for the positions.

National Council of Churches of Kenya Secretary-General Peter Karanja asked Kenyans to be patient as there were chances that more women and the youth would be appointed.

Reported by Lucas Barasa, Ken Kimanthi, Samuel Karanja and George Sayagie