Ukambani MPs snub CS Monica Juma's homecoming

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Members of Parliament from Ukambani on Saturday snubbed a homecoming ceremony for Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma in Kitui County as the political disquiet over her appointment intensified.

In an apparent protest, none of the 25 elected members of the National Assembly and senators turned up for the event at Nuu Secondary School to celebrate Dr Juma’s appointment to the Cabinet.

The low-key event was, however, attended by Dr Juma’s colleagues Cecily Kariuki (Health) and Simon Chelugui (Water) and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet among other government officials.

Jubilee MPs Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South) and Nimrod Mbai (Kitui east) were the notable absentees by virtue of belonging to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party.

Dr Juma was accompanied to the ceremony by her husband, Prof Peter Kagwanja, and former Equity Bank chairman Peter Munga.

Some MPs who spoke to the Sunday Nation said there was nothing to celebrate in her appointment because she does not represent the Kamba community in government.

Former Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu said: “All the region’s MPs can’t be wrong. The widespread boycott has sent a clear message about the community’s stand on Cabinet appointments.”