The appointment of Engineer Michael Thoyah Kingi to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission has drawn public interest, largely because of his close family connection to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
His selection was confirmed through a notice published in the Kenya Gazette on November 14, where President William Ruto officially named him as one of the new members of the commission.
The decision was made under the constitutional powers granted to the President, and Michael will serve a full six-year term.Michael’s appointment quickly became a subject of public discussion, with many questioning whether his relationship with the Senate Speaker played a role.
Despite the concerns, the President followed the legal process outlined in the Constitution and the SRC Act. Michael is not new to public service, having previously served as the Member of Parliament for Magarini Constituency between 2017 and 2022.
He unsuccessfully sought re-election under the Pamoja African Alliance party, after which he stepped back from active politics.
During his vetting by the National Assembly on October 21, lawmakers pressed him on whether his political past or family ties would affect his role at the SRC.
Several MPs questioned his independence, with Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga insisting that Michael’s name was on the ballot for the upcoming Magarini by-election scheduled for November 27.
The by-election follows the Supreme Court’s annulment of Harrison Garama Kombe’s 2022 victory.Michael firmly denied the claims, stating that he was not participating in the by-election.
He clarified that candidates had already submitted their papers and that he was not among them. He emphasized that he is not a member of any political party and has no interest in seeking any elective seat for now.
When asked about his exit from the Pamoja African Alliance, he explained that he left the party after the 2022 elections to take a break from politics entirely.
He assured MPs that he would carry out his duties at the SRC impartially, without any influence from his political history or personal relationships.
His promise of neutrality formed a key part of his defence during the vetting session.
With his appointment now confirmed, Michael joins an already established team led by Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony. The other commissioners include Maj-Gen (Rtd) Martin Kizito Ong’onyi, Mohamed Aden Abdi, Jane Gatakaa Njage, Dr Gilda Odera, Dr Geoffrey Apollo Omondi, and Leonid Ashindu, who were sworn in earlier in the year.
The commission will now continue its mandate of setting salaries and benefits for public officers across the country, with Michael expected to contribute his experience as both an engineer and a former legislator.
