Former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi is among three ambassadorial nominess out of the 27 who have been flagged by the anti-graft body over alleged outstanding integrity issues.
During the grilling session which began yesterday at the Parliamentary Mini Chambers before the before the National Assembly Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, Maangi who was among the five vetted yesterday learnt of his active probe by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Eacc) over alleged involvement in graft.
“We have a letter from EACC indicating you were under investigation and your file submitted to ODPP, who instead referred the file back to EACC for further investigations.” Nelson Koech, the Belgut legislator and committee chair said.
However, in his defense, Maangi argued that he has neither been prosecuted nor convicted and should not be condemned unheard on the basis of innocence until proven guilty.
“As clearly stated, ODPP did not prosecute me, I am innocent…this could be a witch hunt.” Maaingi who is the Kenya’s High Commissioner nominee to Kampala, Uganda stated.
The matter is under investigation by Eacc involve a multi-million housing project by the National Housing Corporation involving a company associated with the former Kisii Deputy Governor.
“I am just a Director in the Company based in the US, the MD is the one that operates the firm and is being investigated.” Maangi said.
Maangi was also put to task over alleged inconsistencies in his earnings as compared to his net worth amounting to Sh690million.
“My net worth is Sh690 million and the inconsistency in monthly earnings is as a result of non-income generating assets in three houses I own.” Maangi noted.
Before his nomination, the former DG had been appointed as a Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), before the High Court declared the positions null and void.
He previously served as Kisii County Deputy Governor for two terms, from 2013 -2022.
Maangi was vetted among other Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Permanent Representative nominees who were nominated for various postings by President William Ruto.
Among others who appeared before the committee for grilling include; Catherine Kirumba Karemu, widow of the late Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru.
She was the first to face the vetting panel, for the position of Kenya’s High Commissioner to London.
Kirumba told the committee that she has a net worth of Sh250million.
Among other issues, she was interrogated on how she would resolve trade issues revolving around the Miraa ban in Europe and further boost tourism in the country.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Deputy President Carolyne Kamende, the ambassadorial nominee to Canada, assured the Members of Parliament that once her nomination is approved, she would prioritise the expansion of bilateral between Nairobi and Ottawa, seek a reduction of the 173 Canadian visa application maximum processing period as well as expanding Education scholarships through legitimate exchange students program.
“I will strive to reciprocate the benefits Canada enjoys from Kenya…Trade, Education and Kenyans welfare in Canada will be my Priority.” Kamende said.
Others vetted were ambassadorial nominee to Tehran Lieutenant General retired Jonah Mwangi and Lillian Tomitom, the ambassadorial nominee to Lusaka, Zambia also defended their suitability before the Foreign Relations Parliamentary Watchdog.
“I know Zambia shares a similar ugali name with Kenya …sima in Kenya . Nsima in Zambia, I am not very knowledgeable but promise to do further research.” Tomitom said.
Other nominees awaiting vetting include; former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa (Kenya’s Ambassador to Egypt), Former Communications Authority boss Ezra Chiloba (Kenya’s Consul-General nominee in Los Angeles, USA), Former LSK Vice President Caroline Kamende Daudi (Canada), Lilian Tomitom to Zambia, Vincent Mogaka Kemosi to Ghana, among others.
