Fresh headache for Agriculture CS Linturi as motion filed to impeach him

The noose around Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi continues to tighten as Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka filed a notice of motion to impeach him.

MP Wamboka, who is backed by signatures of 110 legislators, said he expects National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to approve his motion soonest so that it is brought to the House for debate.

He said the fertiliser scandal is not the first in the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that it has eroded the confidence of farmers and thereby negatively affecting efforts by the government to achieve food security.

“The motion is rooted in grave allegations of gross misconduct, violation of constitutional provisions and serious breach of public trust. The evidence presented before the assembly paints a distressing picture of negligence, mismanagement and potential of criminal activities within the ministry,” Wamboka said in a Thursday press address.

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 of 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 this allegations demand 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.

Korere, who will be seconding the motion if it makes it to the floor of the National Assembly, said Agriculture is such a key sector to allow for mismanagement.

“We want to tell the CS to step aside before we impeach him. Even if investigations were to happen, it won’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).