Linturi Spotted At State House After DCI Visit As Ruto Gives Him Orders [PHOTO]

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi made an unexpected appearance at State House for the National Address given by President William Ruto on Friday, May 3.

As per a photo seen by Viral Tea, Linturi was seated in the front row next to his Health counterpart Susan Nakhumicha as the Head of State issued several directives regarding the ongoing heavy rains and flooding in the country.

During his address, President Ruto directed Linturi's ministry to avail food supplies in government stores through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to support citizens affected by the ongoing flooding menace.

Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi spotted at State House, Nairobi on May 3, 2024. /PHOTO

"The Government, working with stakeholders, has put in place adequate measures to provide temporary shelter as well as food and nonfood essential supplies. The Ministry responsible for Special Programs is directed to work with development partners and relevant humanitarian organisations to mobilise adequate food and non-food supplies to support the affected persons. 

"The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, through the National Cereals and Produce Board, is directed to make available food supplies in government stores to support this effort," Ruto announced.

Prior to the address, Linturi presented himself at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters along Kiambu Road over the fake fertiliser saga, with earlier reports indicating that he appeared at DCI at 7:00 am for questioning.

He had sought to record a statement regarding how the fake fertiliser found its way to the market, having reportedly spent seven hours at the investigative agency's headquarters prior to the briefing.

CS Linturi presented himself to DCI contrary to reports that he was arrested over the fake fertiliser issue, which had they turned out to be true, he would have spent the whole of this weekend in custody.

However, three senior officials, including the Managing Director of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), were arrested on Tuesday, April 30 in connection with ongoing investigations into fake fertiliser distribution.

Their arrest followed the Director of Public Prosecution’s approval to charge the individuals and a businessman over the scandal. The trio, including the MD, were all charged with conspiracy to defraud and abuse of office.

The MD and two other officials denied the charges and were ordered to pay Ksh3 million with one surety each or an alternative cash bail of Ksh1 million each.

Meanwhile, CS Linturi runs the risk of being impeached after an 11-member Committee was formed in Parliament to investigate the impeachment after 149 MPs voted for the motion to throw him out of office.

Among these members include TJ Kajwang', Yusuf Farah, Robert Mbui, Naomi Waqo, Rachel Nyamai, Samuel Chepkonga and George Gitonga. Others include Jane Njeri Maina, Kassim Sawa Tandaza, Moses Malulu and Catherine Omanyo. 

The MPs had to consider the diverse nature of the House before appointing the 11 members who were urged to remain objective in the entire investigation. The committee has 10 days to probe the allegations before providing a report to the House.

If the Select Committee report finds that the allegations are unsubstantiated, no further proceedings are taken thereafter.

However, if the Select Committee report finds that the allegations are substantiated, the House is required to afford the CS an opportunity to be heard and a vote whether to approve a resolution requiring dismissal of the Cabinet Secretary by the appointing authority, that is, the President.

Should it succeed, Linturi will be the first Cabinet Secretary since the promulgation of the Kenyan Constitution (2010) to be impeached from office.