JOASH MAANGI UNDER FIRE OVER CORRUPTION PROBE AS DEFENSE COMMITTEE GRILLS AMBASSADORIAL HOPEFULS
The EACC's suggestions on Maangi's eligibility, according to committee chairman Nelson Koech, would be taken into consideration when making the final judgment.
Former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi's nomination to lead the high commission in Uganda was scrutinized closely on Thursday during his appearance before the Defense and Foreign Relations Committee for vetting. His nomination was overshadowed by an ongoing investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into a corruption scandal involving a National Housing Corporation (NHC) housing project. Maangi clarified to the committee that the investigation concerned a company he was associated with, which had constructed NHC houses in Langata before turning them over to the corporation.
"Considering the significance of a high commissioner's role, why not take a step back and clear your record before being appointed?" Kamkunji MP Yussuf Hassan asked.
Still, Maangi refused to back down from his denials, accusing the probe of being a political smear campaign connected to his political connections.
"I am sure of my innocence. This was a politically driven witch-hunt. Maangi declared, "I have never been charged in a court of law and I am a law-abiding citizen ready to serve."
The EACC's suggestions on Maangi's eligibility, according to committee chairman Nelson Koech, would be taken into consideration when making the final judgment.
The discrepancy between Maangi's declared net worth of Sh693 million and his acknowledged income of Sh25 million for the previous year alarmed MPs as well.
When Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi, a former Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, was chosen to serve as Kenya's ambassador to Iran, he pledged to use his 42-year military career to fortify bilateral ties, especially in trade and agriculture.
The necessity of advancing commerce with Zambia, a significant producer of maize, was underlined by Lillian Tomitom, a former West Pokot County MP and candidate for High Commissioner to Zambia.
She emphasized how important it is to support agriculture for economic expansion and promised to make it a top priority in her role.
What's Your Reaction?
