"Being Chebukati's wife doesn't disqualify her!" Heated debate arises over Mary Chebukati's appointment

President William Ruto on Tuesday nominated Mary Wanyonyi Chebukati as the Chairperson of Commission of Revenue Allocation (CRA).

A heated debate erupted online over reference to her as Wafula Chebukati's wife. Chebukati is the immediate former chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

"In my view, responsible media houses shouldn't be this reckless. You don't make your #BreakingNews look like the only consideration for appointment as Commission on Revenue Allocation Chairperson is being a spouse of Mr Chebukati," Consumer Federation of Kenya SG Stephen Mutoro began.

Online users chimed in the debate with diverse views, some attributing the appointment to relation with Chebukati, while others pointed out that she was nominated on merit.

"Why should they hide the truth.Atleast we now know she's Chebukatis wife," one Jonathan Mulwa said.

Another user identified as Joe Black said, "But she's Chebukati's, Sir.. There's no other way to describe her."

"Let's fix this, Mary CHEBUKATI has been appointed by Pres. RUTO to chair CRA," Journalist James Smart opined.

Those on the opposing side questioned why her identity as a spouse preceded that as a professional.

"This woman has had a stellar career spanning more than 30 years, she’s earned her accolades and continues to do so but you choose to recognise her by her husband first?" Dr Mercy Korir posed.

Florence Mutua, former Busia Women Rep said, "When a man gets an appointment we have never seen it indicated that he is the husband of so and so … what happened to her qualifications and years of experience and service Chebukati aside? Asi."

"Is Mary Chebukati qualified and has a capacity to be CRA chairperson? If yes then hakuna matata. Being Chebukati's wife doesn't disqualify her," Brian Ombui stated.

Wanyonyi is currently the Senior Deputy Accountant General and Head of the Accounting Unit in the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.

She is a certified accountant and mediator who holds Master's Degrees in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce (Accounting), hence if approve will bring her vast experience in accounting to the CRA, if approved.

If approved by the Parliament Mary Chebukati will replace Dr. Jane Kirigai, who retired after serving CRA for six years before retiring.