Kibaki Hirings Frustrate National Unity. A Look At GOVT Appointments.

Kibaki Hirings Frustrate National Unity. A Look At GOVT Appointments.


This article was first published by the Standard Newspaper and does not necessary reflect the views of Careers Point Kenya. We are motivated by the fact that any government appointment must strive for National Unity. First Published on 02/09/2010
By Kipkoech Tanui

President Kibaki appointed Ndegwa Muhoro director of Criminal Investigations Department last Thursday to replace late Gatiba Karanja. But the news was eclipsed by Promulgation of the new Constitution and the fragrance Omar al Bashir left, after the August 27 fete.

Mr Muhoro was ironically appointed with Frank Njenga who is now chairman of National Campaign Against Drug Abuse advisory board. With the stroke of the pen, which defied reason, our national security is now a tribal affair. With the latest appointment, the President seemed to dare the rest Kenyans: I have done it, sasa uta do? (What can you do?)

Let us go over the list of our top security chiefs again. We all know who the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is. Internal Security Minister is George Saitoti, and as funeral adverts of his late brother showed, the common denominator in the larger Saitoti family is Muthengi, and as some say he is a.k.a Kinuthia.

The Permanent Secretary is Francis Kimemia, the Police Commissioner is Mathew Iteere, and the Administration Police Commandant is Kinuthia Mbugua. The Anti-Terrorist police chief is Nicholas Kamwende, and the head of the VIP protection unit, Recce Company, is Joseph Wanjohi.

The Presidential Escort Commander is Benson Kibue, and Director of Operations Director at Vigilance House is Julius Ndegwa. The Anti-Stock Theft Unit commander is Remmy Ngugi, and Police Spokesman is Eric Kiraithe. The head of National Security Intelligence is Michael Gichangi.


At the Department of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, and the Central Bank this pattern is painfully repeated, as it is in the Energy sector. Because this is not a statistical analysis, it cannot tell you how the lower ranks of the security units sit.

Except for a few odd balls like the General Service Unit Commandant, William Sayia, and Prisons Commandant Isaiah Osugo, who probably hold token appointments, I suspect a national security meeting can be conducted in one non-official language.


Congregate security ‘geniuses’
As have said before, nature and God could not have been that mean to the rest of the country as to congregate security ‘geniuses’ in a few slopes and ridges on the foot of Mount Kenya.

Now, I am sure Kibaki knows who these men are, for how else would they get their postings?

So even as he scribbled his signature, it must have crossed his mind that no matter how qualified Mr Muhoro is, it would reflect badly on himself and his administration. And because this is the last thing he could have signed before he the promulgation statement, it is obvious he also considered they would go against the national mood. But he succumbed to the mundu wa nyumba temptation. The feeling the coming big day had secured his legacy could also have gotten into his head.

But is this legacy secure if we consider the expectations of Kenyans of a bright future devoid of tribalism, corruption, Executive lynching of public servants, and desecration of fundamental rights?

What message does it give the ordinary Kenyan that national security matters can be discussed in one ethnic language?

And if Muhoro was the most qualified, should reasons of national cohesion, which Mzalendo Kibunjia is chasing, have held sway? Which is bigger, Kenya’s interest or Muhoro’s qualifications? After all isn’t tribal balancing what presidents always do, even as they reserve the prizy portfolios for their people?

Before Muhoro’s appointment, we must remember while acting as Transport Minister, Amos Kimunya made, in the most controversial circumstances, Stephen Mwangi Gichuki successor of George Muhoho at Kenya Airports Authority. He next appointed Gichiri Ndua to head Kenya Ports Authority.

Before I am reminded that this used to happen under President Moi, I have to remind you, that was why Kanu was vanquished in the 2002 General Election.

Two, before you accuse me of being ‘tribal’, old-schooled, and one equipped with primitive pre-promulgation mindset, I will tell you I do not despise my President but do love Kenya more.

Three, I have nothing against the gentlemen I have mentioned. I have no doubt they are competent, but my beef is with the system that picks them out and bypasses those from other regional blocks.

Showing Respect

Fourth, whether we like it or not, how we handle ethnicity will determine the level of faith Kenyans will have in the new Constitution. We must begin showing we respect it now or never.

Fifth, that Kibaki signed the new Constitution into law, will not, on its own, secure his legacy, and bury the ugly ladder he climbed on his way back to second term.

Finally, what will change or break Kenya are the little things we do and for Kibaki, it is his penchant for ignoring the sentiments of the people that glide before his eyes every day.

Is this the new Kenya we want? Your comments below.