110 MPs Unite In Motion To Impeach CS Linturi

The Azimio MP raised a series of issues regarding Linturi's docket, moreso the fake fertiliser as well as the sugar scandal

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Apr 25, 2024 - 19:25 Updated: Apr 25, 2024 - 19:29
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110 MPs Unite In Motion To Impeach CS Linturi
Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi during a visit to KEL Chemicals, April 12. /CAPITAL BREAKING NEWS

The woes keep piling up for Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Franklin Mithika Linturi continue to pile up as Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka filed a notice of motion to impeach him.

Wamboka's motion was on Thursday, April 25 supported by 110 signatures from legislators, with the lawmaker stating that he expects National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to approve his motion soonest so that it is brought to the House for debate.

The Azimio MP raised a series of issues regarding Linturi's docket, moreso the fake fertiliser as well as the sugar scandal, expressing concerns about the release of counterfeit fertiliser to the public under the watch of the Cabinet Secretary.

He also faulted the CS for allowing the sugar scandal to unfold whereby unfit imported sugar was distributed to consumers.

Bumula MP Jack Wamboka who chairs the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education. /JACK WAMBOKA

"You're well aware of the happenings in this country and the fertiliser scandal and what we have been experiencing, the drama around it. This is not the first time we've had scandals around CS Linturi. I want to draw your attention to the sugar scandal where sugar imported was not fit for human consumption and it was released to the public," he stated.

Wamboka accused CS Linturi of gross misconduct, violation of constitutional provisions and serious breach of public trust, adding that the evidence presented before the assembly paints a distressing picture of negligence, mismanagement and potential criminal activities within the Ministry of Agriculture.

While urging fellow lawmakers to support the motion, Wamboka said it is not politically motivated neither is it grounded on witch-hunt.

He said members from across the political divide have signed his motion, insisting that the impeachment is meant to help the President achieve his dream of food security in the country.

“I firmly believe that the gravity of these allegations demands swift and decisive action. As elected representatives it’s our duty to hold public officers accountable and to safeguard the interests of the people that we serve,” he said.

“Agriculture is such a key sector, we want to tell the President, please don’t allow one rogue minister to derail your agenda of attaining food security in the country.”

Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere urged CS Linturi to resign and allow for investigations to be conducted before he is impeached by the House.

“We want to tell the CS to step aside before we impeach him. Even if investigations were to happen, it wouldn’t be thorough if he is still in the office. if investigations will find him innocent, he can always come back,” she said.

Among MPs who have since signed the motion include: Joyce Kamene (Machakos MP, Wiper), Raphael Wanjala (Budalangi, ODM), Pauline Lenguris (Samburu MP, UDA), Maryanne Kitany (Aldai, UDA), Adams Korir (Keiyo North, UDA), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda, ODM), Samuel Parashina (Kajiado South, ODM), Adagala Beatrice (Vihiga MP, ANC), Stephen Mogaka (West Mugirango, JP), and Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba, ODM).

Others who appended their signatures are; Mohamed Adow (Wajir South, ODM), David Pkosing (Pokost South, KUP), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri, UDA), James Wamacukuru (Kabete, UDA) and Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North, DP).

If approved, the motion will be presented to the House for debate, and lawmakers will determine his fate. However, no Cabinet Secretary to date has ever been impeached since the promulgation of the Kenyan Constitution (2010).

Read more: Process Of Impeaching A Cabinet Secretary

Bags of fertiliser stored at a National Cereals and Produce Board warehouse. /KENYA NEWS AGENCY

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