Alice Wahome to MPs: I am jobless, I need the job

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome, on Thursday admitted before Members of Parliament (MPs)that she is jobless, and in deed of a job.

The nominee was part of President William Ruto’s first cabinet which he dissolved about a month ago, to pave the way for crafting a broad-based government.

Luckily for Wahome, she was among former CSs nominated again, and only the National Assembly is between her and being reappointed back to her previous docket.

Speaking at the tail end of her vetting by members of National Assembly Committee on Appointment, Wahome, the former Kandara MP said her sacking about a month ago made her jobless for the first time in her life, since 1985.

“We have checked your documents and we find them to be correct. Unless you are lawfully held, you are released to go,” committee chair, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula told her.

“Thank you, it is a relief honourable Speaker,” the former legislature said.

She continued: “It is a relief you know I am jobless, and I need the job. Since 1985, this is one unique time when I am jobless,” as some members broke into a hearty laughter.

“I do appreciate the opportunity to be before the committee,” added Wahome.

On her net worth, she stated, “It is Sh327, 650, 000.”

During her last vetting in 2022, Wahome was worth Sh218, 400, 000, which means her net worth had grown by over Sh100 million in a period of about two years. Wahome said if approved, she vowed to crush land grabbing cartels and fraudsters.

“I have impugned some of the records because some records are clearly fraudulent. I have decided not to take the dirty laundry of the land ministry to court because some of the cartels are powerful and they buy their way in court,” she told legislatures.

She vouched for her appointment, adding that she has the right attitude to steer the ministry.