Kenya’s nominee for ambassador to Canada, Humphrey Wattanga, faced a difficult vetting session before Parliament as lawmakers questioned his leadership record, professionalism and readiness for diplomatic service.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, the former Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General was pressed over his early exit from the tax agency, allegations about his management style and his vision for strengthening relations between Kenya and Canada.
The session came weeks after Wattanga requested a 30-day postponement of his original interview, saying he needed more time to prepare and complete the handover of his duties at KRA.
However, members of the committee questioned the explanation and challenged him on why the postponement led to additional costs for the government after the vetting process had to be re-advertised.
“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?”, said Yussuf Hassan.
“Grapevine says that you were fired? You hadn’t finished your term. What happened?”, said Martha Wanjira.
Responding to the concerns, Wattanga maintained that public service should prioritize national and institutional interests above individual interests.
“In parastatals or government jobs, the interests of the institution and the country supersede the interests of a person,” responded Wattanga.
Committee members also questioned the circumstances surrounding his request for more time before the interview.
“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?”, said Martha Wanjira.
“It was my view that I needed to focus during that 10-day period and enable seamless handover,” stated Wattanga.
The vetting session further took another turn after Wattanga disclosed that he was still waiting for his university transcripts, one of the documents required in the approval process.
“KRA clearance yes, HELB yes, and transcripts, I am still waiting for them,” stated Wattanga.
Several lawmakers also raised concerns over claims that he has a difficult personality, arguing that diplomacy requires patience and strong interpersonal skills.
“There are allegations that you are arrogant. Diplomacy doesn’t want that,” stated Abdikadir Hussein.
The committee also sought to know how he intended to strengthen Kenya’s ties with Canada if approved for the posting in Ottawa.
“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.
At one point, lawmakers openly questioned whether the nominee was fully committed to taking up the diplomatic role.
“Do you really need this job?” ,said Martha Wanjira. “I will learn slowly as time goes,” stated Wattanga.
Wattanga’s nomination now awaits the committee’s decision as scrutiny continues over his readiness and suitability to represent Kenya in Canada.
