President Kenyatta “deeply disappointed” by Monica Juma’s rejection

President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed disappointment after the National Assembly rejected Amb Dr Monica Juma who he had nominated to the position of secretary to the cabinet.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the president noted that Ms Juma had served the country diligently and had shown commitment in her duties, saying that she has consistently delivered professionalism.

President Kenyatta lauded Ms Juma for her work in the Kenya Police Service reforms.

“She saw to the improvement of police mobility and welfare, as well as to the provision of equipment,” read the statement in part.”

Ms Juma’s nomination was rejected on Tuesday after the vetting committee took issue with a letter she wrote when she served as the PS for Defence, lamenting the frequent visits she was receiving from Members of Parliament at her office.

“The reasons cited by the Parliamentary Committee, that vetted her for their rejection, reflected her professional and correct demand that proper procedures be followed in the efficient delivery of public services,” read the statement in part.

The statement noted that the president’s nomination of Ms Juma was informed by the distinction and success she earned serving the nation as an ambassador to Ethiopia and as the defence principle secretary at the African Union.

“That action denies the president, and the nation, the service of an officer who would have been central to the Jubilee administration’s transformation agenda,” read the statement.