Failed politicians shouldn't be recycled, says Junet over Ruto's appointments
He pointed out the negative impact this has on the careers of professional diplomats, who often see their opportunities for advancement stunted by politicians occupying high-ranking positions.
The Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, has criticized the appointment of politicians to diplomatic positions, arguing that career diplomats should not be overlooked.
His comments came in response to President William Ruto's recent nominations.
In the latest reshuffle of his administration, President Ruto selected former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha to be the Permanent Representative at UN-Habitat in Nairobi, while Peter Tum was appointed as the ambassador to Kinshasa, DRC.
Additionally, James Buyekane and Abdi Fidhow were chosen to serve as Consuls General in Guangzhou, China, and Arusha, Tanzania, respectively.
During Thursday’s parliamentary proceedings, Junet Mohamed, the Minority Leader, voiced strong opposition to a special motion introduced by Mandera East MP Bashir Abdullahi, which sought to approve the recent diplomatic appointments.
Junet condemned the practice of appointing politicians to such positions instead of career diplomats.
He pointed out the negative impact this has on the careers of professional diplomats, who often see their opportunities for advancement stunted by politicians occupying high-ranking positions.
"You cannot continue recycling individuals who have already held significant offices and give them more roles. When will our career diplomats get a chance to serve in diplomatic missions?" Junet posed.
He criticized the trend of appointing "failed" politicians to diplomatic roles, saying, "Every politician or civil servant who has failed is being sent to some mission around the world. This is demoralizing for our career civil servants."
In an unexpected turn, Junet dismissed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who tried to raise a point of order, insisting that he was entitled to express his opinion on the matter.
"Majority Leader, there is no broad-based approach here. Let me carry out my duties as the minority leader," Junet responded.
He continued, highlighting the struggles of career diplomats who begin their work at a young age, only to stagnate in lower roles, while politicians are appointed to higher positions.
"Career diplomats often rise only to the level of deputy ambassador, while people like me, if I lose in Suna East, I (sic) will get nominated as an ambassador. Keynan (Eldas MP) is likely to get an appointment after the next election," he added.
Reflecting on the origins of the issue, Junet blamed the Jubilee administration for starting the practice of recycling failed politicians into diplomatic posts.
"I believe the Moi government never did this, and neither did Kibaki. This started with Jubilee, where people are recycled the same way you do in Dandora West," he remarked.