This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated lawyer Gerishom Otachi to lead the National Land Commission for the next six years, replacing Prof Mahammad Swazuri whose term expired on February 19.
Mr. Otachi, a co-owner of Ogetto Otachi and Co advocates, was part of former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali's legal team during his trial at the International Criminal Court at The Hague over the 2007/08 post-election violence.
According to a letter to the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, President Kenyatta has sought the approval of the House for Mr. Otachi's appointment as the second chairman of the NLC.
The President also nominated former Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi, Prof James Tuitoek, Getrude Nduku Nguku, Reginald Okumu, former Labour Cabinet Secretary Samuel Kazungu Kambi, Ms Hubbie Hussein Al-Haji, Mr Alister Murimi Mutugi, and former Isiolo Woman Rep Tiya Galgalo to serve as NLC commissioners.
Mr. Otachi emerged top from a list of 11 individuals who had shown interest to replace Prof Swazuri, whose reign was marred by endless accusations of corruption.
Standing Order 45 requires that upon receipt of notification of nomination for appointments, such nominations shall stand committed to the relevant departmental committee, as stated by Speaker Justin Muturi in his communication.
The Committee on Lands, chaired by Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai, will conduct approval hearings on each of the nominees and prepare a report to be tabled before the House for debate.
