Information and Communications Principal Secretary Prof Edward Kisiangani has rejected two nominees of a crucial media body that handles disputes between media and government, declaring them “unsuitable.”

Kisiangani has disagreed with an independent panel formed under the law by former Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, which forwarded names of seven people for appointment as chair and members of the Media Complaints Commission.

In his letter, Kisiangani did not indicate the reasons for declaring the two unsuitable nor indicate the relevant government agencies which established the basis for the alleged unsuitability.

The development comes after seven persons underwent a thorough recruitment process which entailed publication of their names in newspapers, panel interview and clearance by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Kenya Revenue Authority and Higher Education Loans Board.

The names submitted for appointment by the Independent panel chaired by Daniel Warutere were Demas Kiprono as chair, Kantim Mwaniki, Maseme Machuka, Poly Gathoni Waweru, Nassra Hussein Omar, Lucy Minayo and Anthony Nzau Musau as members.

However, in Gazette Notice No. 8442 published shortly after Owalo was sacked by President William Ruto but signed by the former CS, only five names were gazetted, omitting the names of Lucy Minayo and Anthony Musau.