By Harun Mugambi
In a surprising turn of events, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi survived an impeachment motion on Monday after he was exonerated by the select committee probing the issue.
The special parliamentary committee determined that the grounds of the impeachment motion were not substantiated, therefore holding no grounds for impeachment against the CS.
The impeachment motion was centered on the procurement and distribution of government-subsidized fertilizer, which was under probe over concerns it was fake. The motion was sponsored by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka. He had listed three grounds in the impeachment motion which included; gross violation of the Constitution or any other law, serious reasons to believe the CS has committed a crime under national law, as well as gross misconduct.
The allegations were investigated by the Assembly 11-member select committee before tabling a report via Marsabit woman representative Naomi Waqo who chaired the select committee. She stated that the majority of the members found the allegations against the CS as unsubstantiated. Seven members voted to clear Mr Linturi with four members dissenting.
However, the committee’s decision has led to mixed reactions with some Kenyans accusing the National Assembly special committee of corruption while others have lauded the move.
During the proceeding, Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi ardently expressed his unwavering support for the CS who hails from his region.
Mike Makarina an outspoken Meru resident stated that the CS was appointed by the president and he alone can demote him, vowing his resolute backing of the findings in the impeachment report.
The local residents from Maua town in Meru County which is CS Linturi’s backyard have expressed their happiness and satisfaction with the findings of the committee. Livondo Timothy a youth leader From Igembe has termed the CS as a good man who was a victim of political witch-hunt.
Mutuma Muthee also reiterated the same sentiments, emphasizing that since Linturi assumed office, there has been a notable decrease in the prices of commodities.
These occurrences has undeniably shaken the political environment, and it is yet to be determined what the repercussions will be for CS Linturi and the Agricultural sector in Kenya.
