Onyango Oloo to remain TNA secretary general after govt appointment

TNA Secretary General Onyango Oloo during a past press briefing. PHOTO | FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mr Oloo and Alliance Party of Kenya chairman Titus Ibui are among 36 officials that were recently appointed to head various parastatals
• The appointments have been criticised in some quarters for failing to ensure age, gender and regional balance

By LUCAS BARASA
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The National Alliance secretary general Onyango Oloo will still hold his position in the party even after being appointed chairman of Lake Basin Development Authority.

TNA chairman Johnson Sakaja who is also a nominated MP said on Monday that the constitution does not bar a party official from also serving as chairman of a parastatal.

“Sections 77 and 260 of the Constitution are very clear. A chairman of a parastatal is not a state officer. Therefore, the secretary general of TNA Mr Onyango Oloo remains as SG even as he discharges his duty as the chairman of the Lake Basin Development Authority. His status remains,” Mr Sakaja said.

Mr Oloo and Alliance Party of Kenya chairman Titus Ibui are among 36 officials that were recently appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to head various parastatals. Mr Ibui was named to chair the Kenya Leather Development Council’s board.

Other politicians who benefited from the appointments include Jebii Kilimo, Agnes Ndetei, Peter Kiilu, Prof Philip Kaloki, Julius Kones, Abdul Bahari, Edwin Yinda, Titus Ibui, Mohammud Mohammed, Matu Wamae, Geofrey King’ang’i, Daniel Wamahiu, Taraiyia ole Kores and Samuel Nyangeso.

Legal questions have emerged as to whether a party official can also hold a parastatal job without relinquishing the political post. (READ: Debate rages over whether party officials should hold parastatal jobs)

In an interview with the Nation, Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution chairman Charles Nyachae said the commission was deliberating on the matter “and other appointments” and that it will issue a comprehensive statement on Tuesday.

“As we are speaking, we are doing some research on various aspects of these appointments and those of officials of political parties. We want to give a comprehensive statement tomorrow,” Mr Nyachae said.

The appointments have been criticised in some quarters for failing to ensure age, gender and regional balance with President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto being accused of recycling retirees and favouring their political cronies. (READ: Dida, Poghisio land plum parastatal jobs)