The Senate has approved the nomination of Fatuma Ali Ibrahim to serve as a commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission, clearing the way for her appointment to the six-member body.
The approval followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, which considered her nomination and recommended that she be appointed to the commission.
Moving the motion on behalf of the committee, Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo said the nominee had satisfied the requirements for the position.
‘’ Fatuma has met the requirements and she met the edutional requirements and as a committee we found that she complied with ethics, national values and procedures required. Fatuma as well met the requirements of article 6 of the constitution.”
Mr. Maanzo said Ms. Ibrahim’s experience in parliamentary affairs further demonstrated her suitability for the position.
“The nominee has extensive experience in matters parliament, and she has fully demonstrated that she is suitable to take the post.”
The motion was seconded by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, a member of the committee.
“I second the motion as presented by Senator Maanzo.”
The approval gives Ms. Ibrahim the mandate to take up her responsibilities at the commission, succeeding Rachel Ameso, who served as a commissioner for six years.
Several senators who contributed to the debate expressed support for her nomination, citing her experience and previous public service.
Nairobi Senator and Linda Mwanachi leader Edwin Sifuna said he had worked with Ms. Ibrahim and was confident in her ability to serve on the commission.
” I have worked with the nominee and I can assure this house that she is fit to take the mantle. This nominee is well known to me. We have worked in ODM, she has served us in EALA and we stand with her. We are sure she will do a good job in the commission.”
Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed also backed the nomination, pointing to Ms. Ibrahim’s record of public service and human rights advocacy.
“Fatuma has enormous experience. Fatuma did a lot for this country, saved many pastoralists in this country. She is a champion for human rights. Fatuma has a lot of experience and we trust she will bring a lot to the PSC.”
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said Ms. Ibrahim’s previous contribution to public affairs had earned her the confidence of many senators.
“We must be very sensitive and we must agree that this nominee is known to many of us and we know her contribution to the part. Fatuma has served us very well and we look forward doing the same when she takes over the office.”
Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale also supported the motion to approve the nominee.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said Ms. Ibrahim had demonstrated the qualities required for the position.
“She is a woman of good integrity and we must support her fully.”
With the Senate having approved the committee’s report, Ms. Ibrahim now awaits the swearing-in process before formally assuming the functions of a Parliamentary Service Commission commissioner.
