Big blow for Ben Chumo as vetting for SRC top job flops

The nomination of Ben Chumo to head the Salaries and Remuneration Commission has hit a snag after a Parliamentary team rejected the proposal.

According to a report from the Finance Committee, Ben Chumo is facing serious integrity issues that cannot be overlooked.

“(Ben Chumo) has integrity issues arising out of the fact that he has been accused of economic crimes and therefore does not satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity,” the report reads.

The legislators said despite the ongoing case, Chumo did not resign from his post as Chair of Council, Egerton University, which further raised queries on his integrity.

They further noted that in the event that Chumo is suspended because of his current case in court, it will prevent him from carrying out his duties as SRC chairman.

“..the Committee considered how the provisions of Section 62 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act would affect the nominee, as it requires that a public officer who has been charged with corruption or economic crimes should be suspended. Therefore, the nominee if approved, would find it difficult to take up the position.

“Based on the above issues, the Committee is of the view that the nominee is unsuitable to be appointed as the chairperson of the SRC, ” the report adds.

President Uhuru Kenyatta had appointed Chumo to take over from Sarah Serem who’s tenure ended last year.

Chumo appeared for vetting in Parliament on Monday, a move that drew criticism from different quarters.

The former Kenya Power and Lighting Company MD is facing charges of economic crimes.

Ben Chumo and nine other senior managers from Kenya Power were arrested and recently appeared in court to answer to the charges.

Also Read: Ex-KPLC boss Chumo, 9 senior officers to spend weekend in police custody