This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
On September 26, 2019, the National Assembly Lands committee, chaired by Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai, recommended that the House approve eight nominees to the National Land Commission (NLC), excluding Former Isiolo Woman Representative Tiyah Galgalo.
The committee's decision was based on a negative verdict from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regarding Galgalo's tax compliance. KRA had withdrawn a compliance certificate issued to her on October 23, 2018, and internal disciplinary action was being taken against officers who issued it.
The tax authority also stated that investigations were underway into Galgalo's 2017 and 2018 tax returns. A source in the lands committee disclosed that Galgalo's questionable tax returns had aroused interest from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
President Uhuru Kenyatta had nominated Galgalo, along with eight others, to be vetted by the National Assembly Lands committee for appointment to the NLC. The approved nominees include Mr. Gershom Otachi (Chairman) and Ms. Esther Murugi, Prof. James Tuitoek, Ms. Gertrude Nguku, Mr. Reginald Okumu, Mr. Kazungu Kambi, Ms. Hubbie Al-Haji, and Mr. Alister Mutugi as members to the land commission.
