Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando has weighed in on the list of the shortlisted individuals eyeing the post of Cabinet Administrative Secretaries.
Among the 224 persons are former governors, senators, MPs and notable TV personalities.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kabando criticised former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, wondering why he was interested in a job that should go to his protégés.
"Kidero is my acquaintance, we banter every time we meet. A jolly dude. But next time I see him, I'll ask him if he is joking - at his age, stature and financial muscle - to want to get a job deserved of his mentees," he said.
The former legislator, however, pointed out that it is not unusual for former political leaders to be appointed into public service.
At the same time, Kabando opinioned that retired footballer McDonald Mariga and former Soy MP Caleb Kositany deserved the post.
"World over, people who have failed in polls or retired are tapped to public service, while others voluntarily join public/private agencies to enrich governance….Mariga, Sports CAS, and Kositany, in many ways, deserve it," he said.
Other big names in the CAS shortlist include former governors John Mruttu(Taita Taveta), Samwel Tunai(Narok), James Ongwae(Kisii), Samwel Ragwa(Tharaka Nithi), Patrick Khaemba(Trans Nzoia), Hussein Dado(Tana River), Moses Lelonkulal(Samburu) and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
Former MPs Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Charles Njagua alias Jaguar (Starehe) and Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda), Catherine Waruguru(Laikipia), Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, Millicent Omanga(Nairobi) and Dennitah Ghati(ex-nominated MP).
Ex-Knut secretary general Wilson Sossion, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi and media personality Linda Oguttu also made it to the shortlist.
The candidates will be interviewed by the Public Service Commission starting March 1, 2023.