Revealed: 7 MPs Who Saved CS Linturi From Impeachment

On Monday, May 13, seven members of the 11-member committee formed to investigate allegations against the CS voted to save him while four voted against his rescue.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
May 14, 2024 - 02:37 Updated: May 14, 2024 - 02:42
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Revealed: 7 MPs Who Saved CS Linturi From Impeachment
Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi speaking during a fundraiser in aid of St. Theresa's Catholic parish in Imenti Central on April 28, 2024. /MITHIKA LINTURI

The identities of the Members of the National Assembly who helped Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi survive impeachment can now be revealed.

On Monday, May 13, seven members of the 11-member committee formed to investigate allegations against the CS voted to save him while four voted against his rescue.

Those who voted against the impeachment motion fronted by Bumula Member of Parliament (MP) Jack Wamboka included Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo, who chaired the select committee, Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi), George Murugara (Tharaka) and Malulu Injendi (Malava).

Others included Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga Woman Rep), Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South) and Kassim Tandaza (Matuga).

The National Assembly in session on June 14, 2023. /PARLIAMENT OF KENYA

The committee members who voted in favour of Linturi's ouster however included TJ Kajwang (Ruaraka), Catherine Omanyo (Busia), Robert Mbui (Kathiani) and Yussuf Farah (Wajir West).

The committee had concluded that the evidence against Linturi was insufficient to substantiate the three main allegations levied against him, which included gross violation of the Constitution, committing a crime under national law, and gross misconduct.

The probe into CS Linturi's conduct came after serious allegations surfaced regarding his involvement in a scandal concerning the distribution of counterfeit fertilisers, which purportedly jeopardised Kenya’s agricultural integrity and food security.

The allegations led to a heated Parliamentary motion where MPs voted overwhelmingly to investigate the Cabinet Secretary, with 149 MPs voting to proceed with the impeachment process while 36 of them opposed it. Only 3 did not take part.

The report by the committee that was divided on whether or not to send the CS packing over the fake fertiliser scandal indicated that he had no power or authority over the production and distribution of the commodity in Kenya.

"In any event, Section 2B(f) of the Fertilisers and Animal Foodstuffs Act states that it is a function of the board to licence manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of fertiliser. This is therefore not a mandate of the CS," the report read in part, adding that Wamboka, the sponsor of the impeachment motion, adduced evidence bordering on hearsay and unsubstantiated claims.

This decision came as a relief to Linturi, who has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. However, it sparked various reactions across the political divide, with Linturi's supporters viewing the decision as a vindication and a triumph against what they call politically motivated charges.

However, members of the opposition argue that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for accountability in public office, particularly in sensitive sectors like agriculture.

Aldai MP Maryanne Kitany will make a personal statement on the floor of the House to respond to allegations levelled against her during proceedings against Linturi over the fake fertiliser scandal, claiming that she was adversely mentioned during proceedings of the Select Committee on the proposed dismissal of Linturi.

Kitany had requested that her name be expunged from the report of the committee since she was not allowed to also appear before members, adding that she requested to appear before the committee to explain herself.

“Because I was not accorded that opportunity, I request that anything that was mentioned regarding me be expunged from the report of the committee,” she added.

However, Wetang’ula said he had read the report and there was nowhere Kitany was mentioned in the report.

Aldai MP Maryanne Kitany during a past court session. /NATION

“But at an appropriate time, the Speaker will give you an opportunity to make a personal statement on the floor of the House. Once you make that statement, it will not be subject to debate by anybody. It will go to the Hansard and be part of the records of the House,” Wetang’ula added.

Linturi previously alleged that Kitany was the person behind the motion for his dismissal.

Following the committee's report, the focus now shifts to Parliament's next steps and how it will address the public's call for transparency and rigorous scrutiny of public officials.