PhD invoked in assembly job debate
Two senior City Hall chiefs on Tuesday clashed over rejection of Governor Evans Kidero’s choice for the county head of Finance.
Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke and chairman of the Budget and Appropriation committee Michael Ogada traded words, accusing each other of being driven by personal interests.
Mr Mueke faulted Thursday’s rejection of Ms Caroline Mawathe saying she had gone through all requisite requirements.
“Cartels that ruled City Hall for years are fighting attempts to bring top executives from the corporate sector. They want to maintain the status quo but we will soldier on,” he said.
He added that old money was frustrating the governor’s efforts to employ fresh blood in key positions.
“They have not given good reasons for the rejection. When we want to move on, some people drag us back. Let them not tribalise every issue,” he told NairobiNews.
But Mr Ogada shot back and accused the governor’s office of bulldozing an applicant who was below average in academics.
Bhopal University
“She is not even registered by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya. She failed and had to resit several examinations,” said Mr Ogada.
A senior accountant at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute said Ms Mawathe is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from Bhopal University, India, has a masters degree from the University of Nairobi and is undertaking her doctoral studies at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
“Someone says a Phd student is not well endowed, academically. I wonder what they themselves have,” said a visibly angry Mr Mueke.
Sources at the county Public Service Board which conducted the interviews said Ms Mawathe topped the list among the three submitted to Dr Kidero.