The incoming Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage CS Peninah Malonza suffered great humiliation when it turned out that she was the only nominee who was unanimously rejected by the House Committee of Appointments.
She was however saved after the issue was brought to the floor of the National Assembly and MPs stood with her.
Speaking for the first time since the dramatic experience, Malonza said that she does not understand why she was tense during vetting since she has always been confident.
“That was unlike me. Those I have worked with know that I’m always confident when speaking before cameras, having served as Deputy Governor and ran for elective politics three times. I may have lost my composure and confidence in the hot seat but that doesn’t, in any way, reflect my solid competencies. I want to assure Kenyans that I will not let down my beloved country Kenya in my role as Tourism CS,” she said.
The former Kitui deputy governor however promised to overshadow her predecessor, Najib Balala, in handling the tourism docket despite critics doubting her suitability for the position.
“Kenyans will now see the lioness in me through unmatched performance in my docket,” she said.
During vetting, Malonza had a difficult time responding to questions from the panel. The committee was forced to correct her several times with the chair of the committee who is also the National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula asking her to avoid misquoting figures and statements.
“Peninah, you know, in an interview, even a no is an answer, you do not have to make guesses. No one knows everything, it is how you will engage in office if we approve you. You can say you will formulate policies, and legislation and find out. All those responses are good answers,” the speaker said.
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