Wiper deputy party leader Farah Maalim at a past event. He has lauded Uhuru's new Cabinet appointments, saying they represent the face of the country. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Former Lagdera MP Farah Maalim has lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government for nominating more women to the cabinet.Maalim said though the number of women nominated to the cabinet does not meet the two-thirds gender principle, it is commendable.In an interview on NTV AM live on Monday, the Wiper deputy party leader said Uhuru’s move to nominate more women is an indication of good things to come in terms of gender parity in sharing government positions.“The president has taken the right direction in terms of ensuring gender parity by nominating six women to his cabinet and ambassadorial positions,” he said.Maalim said that Uhuru’s cabinet represents the face of the country contrary to claims from certain quarters.“I think the cabinet has the face of Kenya and critics should stop lamenting and give the men and women appointed to cabinet time to serve Kenyans,” he said.Maalim also lauded the President for nominating members of the Somali community to his cabinet. He said for the first time the Somali and Muslim community is well represented in the cabinet.The former MP, however, criticised Uhuru’s move to create the Chief Administrative Secretary positions.He claimed the positions are meant to pay political debts to loyalties who campaigned for Uhuru in last year’s presidential election.Uhuru’s new cabinet appointments continue to draw mixed reactions with certain groups such as Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) complaining of being left out.President Kenyatta’s nominees are expected to be vetted by the parliamentary appointments committee.