CS Linturi to know impeachment fate on Monday as committee retreats to write report

The 11-member Select Commitee tasked with investigating Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has embarked on writing its report after winding up its three-day trial at Parliament buildings.

This is after both the mover of the motion, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, and the defendant in the case, CS Linturi, gave their closing remarks.

The committee ruled against a request by the Wamboka to have Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Rono and the Director of KEL Chemicals testify as witnesses. 

“The committee has resolved not to invite the witnesses namely, PS Agriculture & Director KEL Chemicals to testify,” said Chair and Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo.

The ruling paved the way for both parties to give their closing remarks, with MP Wamboka stating that his legal team had presented watertight evidence against the embattled CS.

“There’s nothing like substandard fertilizer, this is fake fertilizer. I, Wamboka, have tried; I leave the ball in your court. Remember Kenyans will never forget these proceedings. There are so many ways of killing the rat. The committee is one of them. Mithika Linturi Must Go!” He stated.

Wamboka’s lawyer Aisha added: “The CS did not set a NCPB board, but a committee to deal with fertilizer. He bears responsibility. A CS cannot say publicly that it is a work in progress.”

“We have proved the case that the minister must go home, nothing else,” Lawyer John Khaminwa added.

Linturi, through his counsel, urged the committee to dismiss the impeachment motion, arguing that the mover had failed to provide proof implicating the CS in the fake fertilizer scandal. 

“That the fact that the man appearing before you has an issue with character and image is itself inadmissible. It is in this context that the Constitution presumes one innocent until proven guilty,” Muthomi Thiankulu, Linturi’s lawyer, said.

Linturi’s other lawyer added: “The accusers are basing their evidence on perception. Why? Because he has been perceived as an evil person by the media for 5 years. His linen was laid bare. The guilt of Linturi has not been proved, he is innocent.”

The Naomi Waqo-led committee now embarks on writing its report that will be tabled on Monday, May 13.

“We shall analyze each and every finding submitted during the hearing and table before the committee,” said Waqo.