Fatuma Ibrahim Quotes Late Raila Odinga in First Remarks as PSC Commissioner

Newly appointed Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Fatuma Ibrahim Ali has invoked the words of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying his belief in collective responsibility would guide her as she begins her new role.

Speaking during her swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026, the former Wajir County Woman Representative said Raila’s commitment to a better Kenya was a lesson she would carry into her new responsibility.

“Baba once said, ‘I have always believed that the struggle for a better Kenya is bigger than any individual.’ His life reflected that belief, and it’s a lesson I carry with me as I begin this new journey and responsibility,” Fatuma said.

She added that her appointment was an opportunity to serve the country rather than a personal achievement.

“I therefore accept this appointment not as a symbol, as an honour, but as a call to serve Kenya,” she said, asking Allah to grant her the wisdom, strength and integrity to serve the country and its people.

Parliament approved her appointment as the new female non-Member Commissioner, replacing Rachel Ameso, whose term had ended, and Fatuma was sworn in.

Fatuma Ibrahim Pledges Consensus and Teamwork

The new commissioner pledged to promote consensus, integrity and teamwork in the commission, saying collective decision-making was essential to fulfilling its mandate.

“I am a person who believes in consensus in commissions. Consensus is very crucial in decision-making, and I am committed to working on consensus at all times,” she said.

Fatuma said she would work with fellow commissioners to safeguard the commission’s constitutional mandate and protect Parliament’s interests.

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She thanked Parliament, the PSC leadership, her political party and those who supported her appointment.

She also recalled her previous working relationship with National Assembly Speaker and PSC Chairman Moses Wetang’ula, saying they had interacted during her time in Parliament and her bid to join the East African Legislative Assembly.

Wetang’ula welcomed Fatuma to the commission, saying her parliamentary experience would help strengthen the institution.

“You have been in this Parliament with us. You have a rich history behind you, and I have no doubt whatsoever that you will add value to this Commission,” he said.

The Speaker urged the new commissioner to prioritise Parliament’s, legislators’, staff’s, and the institution of democracy’s interests over personal, sectarian, or regional interests.

He also said the commission preferred consensus to voting, noting that members would sometimes postpone a decision and resume discussions the following day if they failed to agree.

“We have never voted on any issue, and we are unlikely to vote on any issue. If we don’t agree, we sleep over it and come the next day,” Wetang’ula said.

He explained that consensus helped commissioners maintain unity and avoid divisions that could arise from voting.

Leaders Welcome New Commissioner

Several leaders who attended the ceremony expressed confidence in Fatuma’s ability to contribute to the commission.

Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, who said she had known Fatuma for more than a decade, described her as someone committed to public service.

“It’s a heart to serve, and I know you have the brains for this job,” Gitau said.

PSC Commissioner Johnson Muthama also welcomed Fatuma, noting that non-elected commissioners had significant responsibilities in supporting the institution.

He assured her of the support of fellow commissioners and the commission’s leadership as she settled into her new role.

Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, who said he had worked with Fatuma in the 11th Parliament, described her appointment as an opportunity to continue serving the country.

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Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, who recalled working with Fatuma in ODM party structures and Parliament, said the new commissioner had experience in public service and was accustomed to teamwork.

“She is a team player, so it will not be difficult for her to be in the spirit which we have here in this Commission,” Mboko said.

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga said Fatuma’s experience would be useful in the committees she would serve in and encouraged her to share her knowledge with colleagues.

Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, who represented the PSC during the parliamentary approval process, congratulated her, saying her ranking in the recruitment exercise reflected her record and experience in public affairs.

PSC Vice-Chairperson and Nominated Senator Joyce Korir also congratulated Fatuma, wishing her wisdom, integrity and courage as she begins her tenure. Korir urged her to build on Ameso’s work, whom she praised for her contribution to the commission.

How Fatuma Ibrahim Was Appointed

Fatuma’s appointment followed a competitive recruitment process in which the commission interviewed her and other shortlisted candidates on September 10, 2026.

She emerged as the highest-ranked candidate among 12 applicants assessed on academic qualifications, public affairs experience, understanding of Parliament and the PSC, leadership and management skills, and compliance with the leadership and integrity requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The Senate approved her appointment on October 1, 2026, while the National Assembly endorsed her nomination on Wednesday, October 7.

Fatuma previously served as the Wajir County Woman Representative and was a member of the 11th Parliament.

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Fatuma Ibrahim Ali with National Assembly Speaker and Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Moses Wetang’ula during her swearing-in as a PSC Commissioner at County Hall, Parliament Buildings, on Thursday, October 8, 2026. PHOTO/Parliament of Kenya