Wetang’ula rejects lawyer Kinyanjui’s request to cross-examine Kagwe

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has rejected a request by lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui to cross-examine Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary nominee Mutahi Kagwe during the vetting process.’

Kinyanjui made the request on behalf of his client only identified as Aura.

Speaking before the beginning of vetting, Wetang’ula clarified that the request was not supported by the law governing parliamentary approval processes.

He noted that the Parliament Approval Act does not allow for contesting parties to personally interrogate nominees.

“My direction, honourable members, is that under the Parliament Approval Act, Section 6, there is no provision for any contesting party to appear before this committee to cross-examine any nominee,” Wetang'ula said.

He explained that individuals opposing a nominee should submit affidavits to the Clerk of Parliament, as provided for by the law.

Wetang’ula said these affidavits, once submitted, are then used by the committee to question the nominee during the vetting process.

“Whoever has issues with a nominee is required to submit an affidavit, as has been done in this case. The affidavit is then examined by the committee, and questions based on its content are put to the nominee.”

He affirmed that all necessary steps had been followed in handling the concerns raised by lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui and his client.

The Speaker confirmed that the nominee had already responded to the affidavit, and the response was part of the records under review.

“To Aura and your lawyer, you are at liberty to sit in the gallery and follow the proceedings. The privilege of appearing to cross-examine a nominee is not provided for in any law. This is not an adversarial proceeding or a trial; it is simply an inquisitorial process,” Wetang’ula advised further.

Kagwe is one of the three new CS nominees expected to appear before the National Assembly on Tuesday for vetting.

They are expected to help President William Ruto in delivering his promises to the people of Kenya.