Source: Facebook
Lawyer Rueben Charles Okari has taken a formal step by writing to Parliament, seeking clarification on the academic qualifications of Hassan Joho, the former governor of Mombasa.
Joho has been nominated by President William Ruto for the position of Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.
This request highlights a growing concern among Kenyans about the authenticity of Joho's educational background, which is crucial for the high-profile role he is expected to assume.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, Okari submitted a letter to Parliament, demanding detailed information about Joho’s academic records.
The lawyer's request is grounded in the interest of public transparency and accountability. Okari's letter references Article 35(1a) of the Kenyan Constitution, which grants citizens the right to access information held by the state, and Section 7c of the Public Appointments Act 2011, which outlines the need for public scrutiny of nominees to public office.
In his letter, Okari specifically requested Joho's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate and any other academic documents that Joho had submitted as part of his nomination process.
The urgency of this request was emphasized with a deadline set for Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Okari expressed hope that litigation would not be necessary to obtain the requested documents, implying that a legal battle could ensue if Parliament does not comply.
The scrutiny of Joho's academic qualifications has sparked significant interest and debate among Kenyans. This issue is not only a matter of legal compliance but also of public trust.
The role of a Cabinet Secretary, especially in the sectors of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, requires a high level of expertise and integrity. Ensuring that the nominee meets these standards is essential for the effective governance and development of these critical sectors.
The matter gained further traction when it was discussed on Citizen TV’s News Gang show on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The show, featuring prominent journalists Sam Gituku, Yvonne Okwara, and Linus Kaikai, focused on evaluating the academic qualifications of President Ruto’s Cabinet nominees. Gituku highlighted the importance of academic credentials in determining the fitness of nominees for their respective roles.
During the discussion, Gituku appeared hesitant when addressing Joho’s academic background, which stood in stark contrast to the clear and verifiable credentials of other nominees. This hesitation hinted at potential uncertainties regarding Joho's qualifications, prompting laughter and further discussion among the panelists.
Hassan Joho is a well-known political figure in Kenya, having served as the governor of Mombasa.
His political career is marked by his affiliation with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a major political party in Kenya. Joho's nomination to the Cabinet position by President Ruto was seen as a significant move, given his previous political influence and experience.
However, Joho’s academic qualifications have been a subject of controversy in the past. Questions about the authenticity of his degrees and certificates have emerged multiple times, making this recent request by Lawyer Okari a continuation of a long-standing issue.
The demand for clear and verified academic records is not only about compliance with legal requirements but also about ensuring that public confidence in the integrity of public officials is maintained.
The legal framework in Kenya provides citizens with the right to access information about public officials and nominees. Article 35(1a) of the Kenyan Constitution states that every citizen has the right to access information held by the state, which is necessary for the exercise or protection of any right or fundamental freedom. This provision empowers citizens like Okari to seek information that is in the public interest.
Moreover, the Public Appointments Act 2011 mandates thorough vetting of nominees to public offices. Section 7c of the Act requires that the educational, professional, and ethical qualifications of nominees be made available for public scrutiny. This ensures that only individuals who meet the required standards of competence and integrity are appointed to public office.
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