The National Assembly has approved Ms. Beatrice Askul Moe for appointment as Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs and Regional Development, and Ms. Dorcas Agik Odhong Oduor as Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya.
This follows the House’s adoption and approval of a special motion tabled by the Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
While moving the motion on Wednesday afternoon in the House, the Leader of the Minority Party, Hon. Junet Mohamed, stated that the President’s nomination of the two women to cabinet positions is a testament to the fact that women are key and integral to the country’s leadership.
This even as he asked the House to support the report on the Committee’s recommendation to approve the two nominees saying they were women of high caliber and standard who demonstrated servant leadership.
“Without any fear of contradiction, I can attest that these real examples of women can lead this country to prosperity. They are distinguished women, who have prospered in their respective careers. I am convinced they are women who can lead this country,” said Mohamed.
“The Nomination of Ms. Beatrice Askul Moe and Ms. Dorcas Agik Odhong Oduor also demonstrates that women from minorities and marginalized communities can also be leaders in the country,” he added.
Hon. Mohamed, also the Suna East lawmaker, stated that if the House approves the two women to serve as Cabinet Secretary and Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya, Parliament will send a strong message that it values women’s leadership at all levels of the country.
“Our country should be proud this afternoon, once approving these nominees will send a clear message to the nation and the international community that we have women of high standards, integrity, and capability to lead both the country and international organizations,” he said.
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Seconding the motion, Deputy Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Owen Baya, expressed gratitude to Kenyans who participated in the approval hearings of the two nominees through the submission of memoranda and affidavits.
He noted that this process has contributed to the growth of democracy and constitutionalism in the country.
Addressing critics who have previously alleged that the Committee on Appointments disregarded the content of affidavits and memoranda, Hon. Baya emphasized that public participation was thorough and that there should be no contestation regarding the committee’s adherence to the public participation process.
Hon. Baya, who is also Kilifi North legislator urged the nominee for Cabinet Secretary of East African Community Affairs to strive to be Kenya’s top diplomat within East Africa and to serve as the essential link between regional governments and the national government.
“In Beatrice Askul Moe, we have the right candidate for the job. Her primary duty is to serve all Kenyans, regardless of their background. I urge this House to approve the motion for her appointment as Cabinet Secretary in the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
He also urged the Attorney General nominee to be someone the Head of State can rely on for sound legal advice and whom Parliament can trust to provide guidance on various pieces of legislation.
“We don’t want an Attorney General who will overlook our legal drafts without making positive contributions. We need someone who will help Parliament improve the quality of the legislation that comes out of this House,” he stated.
“Ms. Dorcas Agik odor is that person that I would like to see sit in the state law office as the Attorney General of this country and assist us and assist the president. Because her job is cut out for her,” he added.
Expressing concern over the numerous laws passed by Parliament that were later struck down by the courts, Hon. Baya urged the Attorney General nominee to enhance the quality of legislation in the country and provide sound legal advice to the Head of State and other government institutions to prevent further embarrassment from losing cases in court.
‘Too often, the government is embarrassed when a law passed by Parliament is challenged in court and struck down. We urge Dorcas Oduor, if approved by this House, to improve the quality of our laws and the legal advice she provides to the Head of State and other government institutions so that the government can stop losing cases,’ he stated.
Nyeri Town MP, Hon. Dancun Maina Mathenge, urged the House to approve the nominees, stating that both the President and Parliament have made significant strides in improving gender parity within the Cabinet.
Kilgoris MP, Hon. Julius Sunkuli, emphasized the importance of the Attorney General’s role, noting that the legal fraternity seeks a leader who understands their needs.
He stressed that the Attorney General should thoroughly scrutinize every piece of legislation before being forwarded to the Parliament for debate and approval and onward assent to the President.
“There is much that will come before this House that requires the Attorney General’s attention. The Attorney General must advise the government, particularly on what is right and wrong in financial transactions. We hope the government will heed the Attorney General’s advice, even when it may not align with the executive’s preferences,” said Hon. Sunkuli, a veteran politician.
He added, “We also hope this time will be different, as we believe in the rule of law. The legal advice and recognition we are giving her should hold significant value for the government.”
Nominated MP Dorothy Ikara asked the government to support women’s leadership saying when given and accorded an opportunity, women perform better than even their male counterparts.
“I’m saying this because it’s always said what a man can do a woman can do it better,’ said Ms. Ikara.
