National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has directed a joint Ad hoc Committee to investigate the activities of the cryptocurrency project Worldcoin.
The committee has been given a timeframe of 42 days to conduct a comprehensive audit of Worldcoin's operations and submit its findings to the House.
The Joint Committee will be led by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo.
Its primary focus will be to examine the operations of Worldcoin within Kenya.
This includes engaging with relevant parties, such as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies with pertinent mandates.
Hon. Wetangula emphasized that the Joint Ad hoc Committee's mandate extends to addressing the concerns raised in a statement made by Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency, regarding the reported activities of WorldCoin.
The Joint Ad hoc Committee will consist of fifteen (15) Members selected from the Departmental Committees on Administration and Internal Security, Communication, Information and Innovation, and Tourism and Wildlife.
“I want to inform you that each committee has nominated five (5) Members from their respective memberships,” stated Speaker Wetang’ula.
Other than Tongoyo who will chair the committee, the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security has nominated Hon. Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Hon. Caroline Ng'elechei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Hon. Peter Kaluma (Homabay Town), and Hon. Sara Korere (Laikipia North).
Similarly, the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information & Innovation has nominated its chairperson, Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), and members Hon. Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), Hon. Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South), Hon. Shakeel Shabbir (Kisumu East), and nominated MP Hon. Irene Mayaka.
The Departmental Committee on Tourism & Wildlife has put forth its chairperson, Hon. Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), as well as Hon. Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), Hon. Dr Edwin Gichuki (Mathioya), Hon. Capt. Ruweida Obo (Lamu East), and Hon. Innocent Maino Mugabe (Likuyani).
Speaker Wetangula clarified;
“Considering the nominations from the Committees and in consultation with the House leadership, I have co-opted Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta, who initiated the matter, Nominated Member Hon. Umulkher Harun Mohamed, and Hon. Fredrick Ikana, MP for Shinyalu.”
It's important to note that the co-opted Members will contribute to the committee's discussions and provide insights but won't possess voting rights.
“Let me remind the Committee of the urgency to conduct this inquiry promptly and deliver a report to the House by Thursday, 28th September 2023,” the Speaker concluded.