Genesis for Human Rights Commission has challenged the appointment of Hassan Joho as the new Cabinet Secretary of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs in court.
The Human Rights group argues that Joho is unfit to hold the position and evidence of the same was disregarded by the National Assembly’s Appointments Committee.
According to the group, Joho’s doesn’t have the necessary academic qualification for the CS position.
The group’s Executive Director Caleb Ngwena and other Kenyans submitted memoranda on Joho’s unsuitability but they not considered. Another reason the group wants Joho out is because of the economic crimes he was facing. Aside from that, the group pointed out that Joho faced drug dealing allegations. The former Mombasa governor was however cleared.
“The office of registrar of political parties also failed in its mandate by clearing Joho for appointment as state officer while it has records to the effect that Joho was deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement charged with the duty of offering oversight in the investment and expenditure of the government and its members,” Ngwena said.
“The respondents failed to consider our memorandum of unsuitability making the appointment a violation of the constitution,” he added.
The Human Rights group wants the court to nullify Joho’s appointment and direct the relevant authority to find a suitable person for the CS position.
They want the court to bar Joho from carrying out his mandate until the case is heard and determined by the court.
Further directions will be issued by the court on October 17, after respondents on the case file their responses in 14 days.
