Wetang’ula TSC hiring admission opens Pandora’s box on recruitment of teachers, security officers

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s confession of dubious teacher hiring has turned the spotlight on the graft-ridden hiring process in the civil service, especially in the security sector.

Some MPs now say the recruitment of police officers, soldiers and prison officers is among the most abused, with the political elite sharing the slots long before the jobs are advertised.

Thousands of youths are, however, made to undergo tough recruitment processes, most of the time in vain, as the real beneficiaries do not turn up for the physical activity.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu told the Star the vice is widespread, especially in the police and disciplined forces.

“It is worse; matters about employment are supposed to be attained on merit but what Ruto has decided to do is to reward the people who support him with employment, be it for teachers, police and military,” he said.

“To make matters worse, the ones who have been given the appointment letters to take them to their constituents have made it a cash cow.”

According to Muriu, the issue of teachers is just but a tip of the iceberg.

“It is happening in police and the military and that is how Ruto is buying support,” he claimed.

Wetang’ula, over the weekend, revealed that pro-regime MPs are usually dished out Teachers Service Commission employment letters to issue to individuals of their choice.

He roped in President William Ruto in the alleged underhand dealing, triggering public uproar.

“There are some of our MPs whom I personally take to State House to see President William Ruto. The President then gives them 10 TSC letters each, which they are supposed to use to recommend teachers for official government employment. However, they sell these letters to Kenyans for Sh400,000 each,” Wetang’ula said.

Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau has publicly admitted being a beneficiary of the arrangement.

“Yes, I have been given [employment] for teachers but I have never asked for money from anyone. I challenge any teacher whom I have helped get a job and asked for money from them,” she said.

“I also challenge Speaker Wetangula to prove that he has ever taken me to the President to get letters. Maybe he takes MPs from his place.”

The revelations have triggered a storm over recruitment in the civil service.

Wetang’ula went on to say some lawmakers end up selling the letters for as much as Sh400,000.

“We will not tolerate such behaviour. If your MP is doing this, they should be prosecuted. Bribery and corruption have no place in our country, Kenya,” Wetang’ula said.

Some lawmakers say political interference in public-sector hiring is more widespread than previously acknowledged.

According to Mukuruwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, the slots—for teachers, police and military—are always dished out to MPs aligned to the system, saying that as a critic of the administration, he does not receive any.

“The slots are always given to pro-government MPs. It is not the first time it has been said,” Kaguchia told the Star.

But Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang’ sees no wrong in Wetang’ula’s admissions, saying the act does not confer any negative connotations on the recruitment process.

“If I could get the letters from wherever quarters and give them to residents of Ruaraka constituency, they would be happy. They would vote me in,” Kajwang’ said.

He, however, did not admit receiving any of the letters, saying they should square it with Wetang’ula on the floor of the House.

“As to whether Speaker Wetang’ula went out there and said what he said, we will wait for him on the floor to tell us where those letters are. If he is holding them in his office, we will break that door to get those letters,” he said.

Leaders have, however, questioned whether MPs and other political actors should have a role in determining who secures jobs in public institutions, warning the practice could disadvantage qualified applicants without political connections.

The controversy has also put independent commissions under renewed scrutiny, with critics accusing the government of undermining the independence of constitutional bodies by allowing political actors to influence decisions that should be insulated from partisan interests.

Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo criticised the practice, arguing teacher recruitment is constitutionally assigned to the TSC.

She said the confession undermines the constitutional independence of the TSC and denies qualified teachers an opportunity to secure jobs through a transparent and merit-based process.

“This is not a joke. This is not politics as usual. This is a constitutional violation. When the State House, the speaker, and MPs turn teacher recruitment into a patronage scheme, they are not just bypassing the TSC,” Odhiambo said.

“They are dismantling one of the key independent institutions designed to protect public service from capture.”

Some leaders have gone further, calling for Wetang’ula’s resignation, arguing his remarks amount to an admission of a practice that compromises the integrity of public recruitment.

“I want to urge members of the National Assembly in respect of this constitution, somebody should go and file a motion to impeach the Speaker,” Mbae said.

“When the Speaker says they give MPs TSC letters, that is killing the constitution.”

Mbae noted that, as head of the National Assembly, Wetang’ula should uphold the constitution and protect the independence of public institutions rather than appear to legitimise political involvement in their operations.

National Assembly’s Education Committee chairman Julius Melly has demanded evidence of political interference in the recruitment process.

The Tinderet MP assured that Parliament will investigate credible complaints.

“We cannot, and my committee cannot condone the sale or distribution of letters by anyone, be it a member of Parliament, be it a senior citizen,” Melly said.

Seme MP James Nyikal, weighing in on the matter, denied ever accompanying Wetang’ula to State House to get the letters.

“We did not accompany Wetang’ula to State House to receive letters for TSC,” Nyikal, who chairs Duol, a platform bringing together all elected Luo leaders, said.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The controversy is likely to intensify calls for Parliament and oversight bodies to investigate the role of political recommendations in recruitment and establish whether such practices have become institutionalised.