President William Ruto’s decision to omit Rebecca Miano’s name from the list of nominees submitted to the National Assembly for vetting has sparked public speculation.
Miano, previously the Cabinet Secretary for Investments and Trade, had been reassigned to the role of Attorney General in new Cabinet nominations announced by Ruto last week. She had accepted the nomination and expressed gratitude for the opportunity on her X account on July 19, 2024.
I thank H.E. Dr. William Ruto CGH for nominating me to the role of Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya. Granted the opportunity, I promise to apply myself fully to the tasks attached to that solemn office with my focus being on serving the people of my beloved motherland with utmost dedication, humility and a listening ear.
Rebecca Miano on her X account on July 19, 2024
However, when the list of nominees was presented to the Assembly by Speaker Moses Wetangula on Tuesday, Miano’s name was notably absent, even though the names of the other ten nominees were included.
The reason for this omission remains unclear, as no official communication has been issued regarding whether Miano’s nomination has been dropped or if she might be reassigned.
In an apparent reaction to the omission, Miano posted a message on her X account hours later stating, “When rumor mills are rolling, the well-advised stay still.”
Her statement has been perceived as a cautious approach amidst the circulating speculations about her exclusion from the list.
President Ruto is expected to announce a second batch of nominees in the coming days.
In the meantime, Speaker Wetangula has confirmed that all Cabinet nominees, including those reappointed, will undergo a thorough vetting process by Parliament.
“The record that has arrived in this House is what I have read to you. Nobody will become Minister until and unless the President has written to Parliament, until Parliament has sat in Committee and vetted and until the Whole House has voted on the report of the vetting Committee,” said Wetangula.