MAANGI REJECTS ALLEGATIONS AS MPS BEGIN APPROVAL HEARINGS

Joash Maangi, President Willian Ruto's nomination for Uganda's Kampala, struggled on Thursday to establish his innocence in front of a parliamentary commission that evaluates the appropriateness of ambassador nominees.

The second person to appear before the vetting panel, the former Kisii Deputy Governor, was faced with an ongoing legal matter involving the National Housing Corporation and a firm he directs.

Although the DPP returned the file and ordered additional investigations, the EACC had recommended that he be charged.

A suggestion was made to the Director of Public Prosecutions about the NHC housing project to indict Joash Arthur Maangi and other individuals. The memo states that the DPP sent the file back to EACC for additional, continuing investigations.

In a memo to the committee led by Belgium MP Nelson Koech, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission stated that the corporation received payment for housing units in Langata, which the anti-graft agency is disputing.

 The EACC is still looking into the 2010 case.

Yusuf Hassan, the MP representing Kamkunji, questioned why the nominee could not wait to finish the case before accepting the overseas position.

The chair stated that you are the subject of an investigation by the EACC. You are under the shadow of a gloomy cloud. Before accepting the assignment, would it not be better for you and your nation if you took a step back and cleared your record? Yusuf asked.

Maangi acknowledged that he is a director of the aforementioned company, but he also stated that the business is a legal entity and that the managing director and the chief executive officer should be held accountable if anyone is found to be at fault.

"I am positive that I am innocent; this was a witch hunt," the speaker said. I am prepared to start my assignment and am certain that I am a good citizen.

 In addition, the former Deputy Governor disclosed to the committee his estimated net worth of Sh693 million and his annual income of Sh800 million to Sh900 million.

Hearings to approve the envoys were held by the National Assembly's Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee, which was led by Belgut MP Nelson Koech.

The committee met on Thursday with Catherine Kirumba from London, United Kingdom; Maangi from Kampala, Uganda; and Lilian Tomitom, a former West Pokot woman representative from Lusaka, Zambia.

Additionally appearing before the Koech-led vetting panel were Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jonah Mwangi and former LSK vice chairperson Caroline Kamende Daudi (Ottawa, Canada).

Kirumba pledged during his panel appearance to support the Kenya-UK trade balance, particularly on the prohibited export of miraa.

 In addition, after the British soldiers committed atrocities against the Mau Mau, the nominee promised to utilize her position to hasten the settlement of the veterans' claims for compensation.

"The Mau association and the UK government are in active communication. I will assess what I can do with my office to help without becoming involved," Kirumba informed the screening panel.

The Sh250 million Kirumba was answering a question from Moses Kirima, the MP for Central Imenti, who wanted an explanation of her proposal to dismiss the case.

What will you do to make sure these Kenyans receive justice before they pass away? The British attempted to recompense some of them through legal cases some time ago, but many of them have not received any compensation. Kirima stood in position.

Should Tomitom's nomination be accepted, she promised to advocate for more trade prospects between Zambia and Kenya.

The former instructor disclosed to the MPs her Sh60 million net worth.

With Kenya and Canada enjoying diplomatic links for the past 60 years, Kamende, when nominated as Kenya's High Commissioner to Canada, pledged to use her international experience to strengthen trade ties between the two countries.

Since their independence, Kenya and Canada have had friendly relations, she told the vetting panel, with Kenya benefiting from Canadian assistance with commerce, peacekeeping, and climate change initiatives.

The High Court Advocate ascribed the present imbalance in trade to a lack of market access leading to low trade volumes.

She pledged to work with the Canadian Africa Business Chamber and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance to boost trade between the two nations.

Kamende said to the Panel, "I will look at all bilateral agreements within the two countries and try to come up with policies that will expand the trade ties with a balanced trade engagement while establishing partnerships with the business community in Canada."

Millie Odhiambo, the MP for Suba North, pressed the nominee to clarify her connection and if it would not impact her in her new role.

"I will serve my country as High Commissioner if I am approved for this position. Since I will become a state officer, my political affiliation will not matter. I will discharge my duties of office professionally and by the oath of office given an opportunity," Kamende replied.