A section of leaders have come out to strongly oppose the nomination of one of them as a Cabinet Secretary.
The elected leaders in a statement on behalf of the people of Marsabit County protested the nomination of Ambassador Ukur Yattani to the cabinet.
“It is also worthwhile to remind the Kenyan nation that Amb Ukur has constantly featured in the corruption-related lists of shame. He is currently under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for abuse of office, involvement in corrupt deals and mega scandals and misappropriation of public funds,” noted the leaders.
They added that the appointment is equal to celebrating impunity and divisive politics and it is particularly harmful to the communities in Marsabit and the region.
The leaders thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for considering the community in his cabinet and asked him to consider a different individual, but they will not work with Amb. Ukur. They promised to petition Amb Ukur’s nomination to the Parliamentary Vetting and Appointment Committee.
The former Marsabit Governor has since responded with a statement, claiming that it is the works of his rival Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, which are far-fetched, imaginary and malicious with the sole aim of disadvantaging him during the vetting process.
“It is not only disrespectful but also foolhardy and bizarre for a section of Marsabit leaders to threaten the President that they were not consulted on this nomination. I urge such detractors to be respectful and act with decorum as expected of public figures,” said Amb Ukur in his statement.
The leaders’ statement was signed by the entire Marsabit County leadership, including Members of Parliament.