Chairman of UDA Johnson Muthama has received unanimous approval from the National Assembly to be elected to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).

PHOTO | COURTESY Johnson Muthama approved to join PSC

In a report due to Parliament, he takes the place of Samuel Chepkonga, the male public member for the Parliamentary Service Commission who resigned.

According to the interviews conducted by PSC on December 30 of last year in Parliament, which was presided over by Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the National Assembly Muthama is the choice for the position. 

For the position on the prestigious parliamentary body that monitors legislators' well-being, Muthama was one of the eight candidates who made the shortlist.

A total of 171 candidates expressed interest in the position; those who were shortlisted included Muthama, former legislators Peter Mwathi (Limuru), Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Cornelly Serem (Aldai), and James Ongwae, a former governor of Kisii.

PHOTO | COURTESY UDA Chairman Johnson Muthama in a past press conference

If accepted by the house, Muthama will replace Rachel Ameso, a former Kakamega Woman Representative who began her service in 2018.

The former senator from Machakos will join fellow National Assembly members Faith Gitau, Mishi Mboko, Patrick Makau, Mohamed Ali, and Mivoko Wiper in Nyali (Nyandarua Woman Rep, UDA).

Additionally, senators John Kinyua (Laikipia, UDA), Joyce Korir (nominated, UDA), and Okong'o Omogeni (Nyamira, ODM) will sit on the parliamentary committees.

A woman and a man nominated by Parliament from among those with experience in public affairs but not members of Parliament make up the Commission, which the Speaker of the National Assembly heads.

Jeremiah Nyegenye, the Clerk of the Senate, serves as the Commission's Secretary.

Muthama is still the chairman of the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance UDA, which president William Ruto and Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua spearhead.

Muthama and other leaders formed UDA after ditching the Raila-led side Orange Democratic Movement ODM before the 2022 August General elections, where William Ruto of UDA defeated Raila Odinga of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya.