Former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi’s decision to decline his nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana has garnered significant attention and raised questions about the process of appointing ambassadors in Kenya’s government. In a letter read by the chair of the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee Nelson Koech, Kemosi cited personal and family reasons for his decision, stating that these issues would prevent him from taking up the position.
“I want to give my appreciation for the invitation to appear before the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations. I wish to inform that I will not appear before the said committee for the approval hearing. This has been occasioned by my personal and compelling family matters which after taking into consideration will not allow me to take up the position of the High Commission to Ghana,” the letter read in part.
This announcement comes in the midst of a larger wave of ambassadorial nominations by President William Ruto, which has included a number of new appointments to diplomatic posts in countries around the world. The list of nominees reflects a wide range of assignments, from key diplomatic allies like the United Arab Emirates to more challenging postings in countries like Iran and Afghanistan.
Kemosi’s decision to decline his nomination raises important questions about the suitability of individuals for ambassadorial roles, as well as the process through which these appointments are made. While it is understandable that personal and family reasons may prevent an individual from taking up a diplomatic posting, it also calls into question the thoroughness of the vetting process and the selection criteria used by the government.
One of the key roles of an ambassador is to represent their country and its interests in a foreign country, requiring a high level of diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and political acumen. It is essential that individuals nominated for these positions possess the necessary skills and experience to effectively carry out their duties and navigate the complex world of international relations.
The fact that Kemosi felt compelled to decline his nomination due to personal and family reasons raises concerns about the extent to which these factors are taken into account during the nomination process. It is important that individuals nominated for ambassadorial roles are fully committed to their duties and able to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, regardless of any external factors that may arise.
Furthermore, the process of ambassadorial nominations in Kenya appears to be highly politicized, with President Ruto making a large number of appointments that reflect his own political interests and alliances. While it is common for governments to appoint ambassadors based on political considerations, it is essential that individuals selected for these roles are also qualified and capable of representing their country effectively on the world stage.
In light of Kemosi’s decision to decline his nomination, it may be necessary for the government to reevaluate its criteria for selecting ambassadors and ensure that individuals appointed to these positions are well-suited for the challenges and responsibilities they will face. It is crucial that diplomatic appointments are based on merit and expertise, rather than political expediency or personal connections.
Overall, Kemosi’s decision to decline his nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana highlights the importance of ensuring that ambassadors are selected based on their qualifications, experience, and commitment to serving their country. As the vetting process continues for the remaining nominees, it is essential that the government prioritizes the selection of individuals who are best equipped to represent Kenya on the world stage and advance its foreign policy objectives.