Ambassadorial nominee to Kampala Uganda – Joash Maangi on Thursday had a hard time to prove his innocence before a Parliamentary panel conducting his approval hearing.
The ex-Kisii Deputy Governor who was second to appear before the vetting panel was confronted by a protracted case involving a company where he is a director and National Housing Corporation.
According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) memorandum to the Committee chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, the company was paid for housing units in Langata which the anti-graft body is contesting.
The 2010 case is still under investigation by EACC.
“We received a report from EACC and the issue raised was a recommendation to charge Joash Maangi in a matter related to the National Housing project,” Koech said.
“DPP returned the file to EACC for investigation which is ongoing.”
Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan wondered why the nominee could not wait to dispense with the case before taking up the foreign assignment.
“The chair mentioned that EACC is investigating you, you are under investigation. A dark cloud is hanging over you. Would it not be better for you and your country that you stand aside and clear your name before taking the assignment?” Yusuf posed.
Maangi while admitting that he is indeed a Director at the said firm, said the company is a legal entity and if anyone is to be found culpable then the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Managing director.
“I am 100 per cent that I am innocent, this was a witch-hunt. I am confident I am a good citizen and ready to take up my assignment.
The National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech started approval hearings of the envoys.
On Thursday, the Committee had a session with Cathrine Kirumba (London, United Kingdom), ex-Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi (Kampala, Uganda) and former West Pokot Woma Rep Lilian Tomitom (Lusaka, Zambia).
Former Kenya Army Commander Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jonah Mwangi and Caroline Kamende Daudi (Ottawa, Canada) also appeared before the Koech-led vetting panel.
Appearing before the panel, Kirumba promised to push for the balance of trade between Kenya and the UK, especially the banned miraa export.
The nominee also pledged to use her office to expedite the compensation of Mau Mau veterans' case following the atrocities meted out by the British soldiers during the fight for independence.
“There is an active conversation between Mau association and the UK government, I will look at what is it I can facilitate by my office without necessarily interfering,” Kirumba told the vetting panel.
She was responding to a question by Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima who had sought an explanation of her intention to bring to an end the case.
“Some time back the British tried to compensate some Kenyans through court cases but still several people have not been compensated, what are you going to do to ensure they get justice before they die?” Kirima asked.