Published on April 16, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development & Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary nominee Geoffrey Ruku joined the Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly when they were debating his approval.
Rarieda constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Otiende Amollo on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, noticed and rose on a point of order questioning whether it was in order for the Mbeere North MP to debate in a motion debating his suitability for the ministerial position he had been nominated to serve in.
Otiende further argued that Ruku had brought into sharp focus the distinction between Parliament and the Executive by going to the National Assembly and letting the whole world see that he was part of the house that was debating his approval.
“Because that point is made acute by Hon. Geoffrey Ruku today. I think he should not have come to the house, but by coming to the house and letting the whole world see that he is part of the house that is debating his approval, it brings into sharp focus the distinction between Parliament and the Executive,” Otiende said.
Otiende, who rose on a point of order, questioned the timelines an MP should resign if he/she gets appointed as a CS.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker argued that Article 152 (iii) of the Constitution states that a Cabinet Secretary shall not be a Member of Parliament.
“Article 152(iii) is very clear: a Cabinet Secretary shall not be a Member of Parliament. I need your directions on at what point a member of this house appointed to be in the cabinet should resign,” the lawmaker said.
Ruku was picked by President William Ruto to replace former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who had fallen out with the head of state over his stance on abductions and extrajudicial killings.
In 2022, Ruku ran for the parliamentary seat on the Justin Muturi-led Democratic Party (DP) ticket, securing his first term.
