Former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi had an uphill task explaining his ksh 690 million net worth and other allegations as he faced the vetting committee in anticipation of his new role to head the high commission in Uganda.
The Committee interviewed four other nominees, including Ms. Catherene Kirumba Karemu, who is proposed to be the high commissioner in the United Kingdom; Former West Pokot woman Representative Lillian Tomitom, who is proposed to be the high commissioner in Zambia; Lt General (Rtd) Jonah Mwangi, who is heading to Tehran in Iran; and Caroline Kamende Daudi, who is headed to Ottawa, Canada.
After being examined by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over corruption allegations, Maangi faced the most issues about his integrity. However, the office of the Director of Prosecution declined to charge him.
“Being a high commissioner is such an important role, why would you not step aside and clear your good name before being appointed?” Posed Kamkunji MP Yussuf Hassan.
Maangi maintained he was innocent and blamed the probe on the political witch-hunt.
Maangi told the committee that the firm with which he is involved built houses for the government and handed them over and that, despite the dispute, his company won the matter to the appellate court.
“I am 100% sure that I am innocent; this was some kind of witch hunt; I am a good citizen in good standing and ready to serve; I have not been charged in any court of law.’’ He told the committee.
The Nelson Koech-led committee members were likewise startled at the amount the former deputy governor made last year, with a net worth of Ksh 690 million. Maangi, however, maintained that it was a one-time payment that had been pending for a while.
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