Former KRA boss Humphrey Wattanga faces tough grilling over diplomatic suitability

Kenya’s nominee for ambassador to Canada and former KRA Commissioner General, Humphrey Wattanga, came under intense scrutiny as he appeared before Parliament’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee.

From tough questions over his exit from KRA to sharp concerns about his leadership style, competence and diplomatic suitability, lawmakers pressed Wattanga on whether he has what it takes to represent Kenya in Ottawa.

Former KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga’s path to Ottawa faced a rough takeoff as he appeared before Parliament for a high-stakes vetting session to determine whether he is fit to serve as Kenya’s next ambassador to Canada.

After seeking a 30-day postponement of his initial vetting, citing the need for more time to prepare and hand over duties, Wattanga finally faced the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, only to encounter a barrage of tough questions.

Lawmakers put him on the spot over his short stint at KRA, his previous job exits, and the circumstances that led to his forced resignation.

“You only worked for two years in KRA. Other commissioners have finished their terms. What do you explain this? Are you a hard person to work with?” posed Yussuf Hassan.

“Grapevine says that you were fired? You hadn’t finished your term. What happened?” posed Martha Wanjira.

“In parastatals or government jobs, the interests of the institution and the country supersede the interests of a person,” responded Wattanga.

But even as he defended his record, Wattanga struggled to convince the committee why his interview had to be pushed by 30 days, a decision that forced the government to incur extra costs to re-advertise the vetting.

“We asked you why you requested for the postponement. So your terminal leave had begun, then you want to say handing over is what made you seek extension?” posed Martha Wanjira.

“It was my view that I needed to focus during that 10-day period and enable seamless handover,” stated Wattanga.

Further questions emerged after Wattanga disclosed he was still waiting for his university transcripts, one of the critical documents required for the process.

“KRA clearance yes, HELB yes, and transcripts, I am still waiting for them,” stated Wattanga.

Yet it was allegations about his personality, claims of arrogance and a harsh leadership style, that appeared to strike at the heart of his diplomatic suitability.

“There are allegations that you are arrogant. Diplomacy doesn’t want that,” stated Abdikadir Hussein.

Some members even questioned whether Wattanga truly desired the role or was simply going through the motions.

“You have not told us what you will do to help Kenya’s relations with Canada,” stated Abdikadir Hussein.

“We need to, I understand, we need to harness…” responded Wattanga.

“Do you really need this job?” posed Martha Wanjira.

“I will learn slowly as time goes,” stated Wattanga.

As questions over his readiness and diplomatic fitness grow, Wattanga’s nomination continues to face intense scrutiny, especially after his earlier South Africa posting was changed. The committee now faces the decisive task of determining whether he is fit to represent Kenya in Ottawa.