National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, has approved Bumula MP Jack Wamboka’s motion seeking to impeach agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Wetang’ula stated that the lawmaker’s motion fulfilled all constitutional and Standing Orders threshold, allowing Wamboka to give notice of motion.
“The grounds for dismissal of the Agriculture CS as contained in the proposed motion comply with the requirements of standing order 641a and 66,” stated the speaker.
“In view of the foregoing, the proposed special motion meets the applicable procedural requirement for it to be admitted to the next stage.”
The House is set to deliberate on the motion during its morning and afternoon session on Thursday, May 2.
This motion stems from grave allegations of gross misconduct, violation of constitutional provisions outlined in Article 46, and a serious breach of public trust.
Linturi Woes
The CS is accused of violating Article 10 (c) of the constitution, which mandates the observation of good governance, transparency, and accountability in his duties of serving the people as the Cabinet Secretary.
“The sale of fake fertilizer and authorization by the Cabinet Secretary to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) for the use of the facilities by private individuals is a breach of duty by the CS,” reads part of the motion.
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“Therefore, the Cabinet Secretary appears to have knowingly supplied fake fertilizer to farmers through the NCPB in contravention of Article 10 (2) (c) of the constitution.”
Speaker Wetang’ula stated that if 117 MPs vote in the affirmative, they will form the committee, which will then have 10 days to investigate the matter before reporting to the House.
“The Select Committee shall within 10 days report to the assembly whether it finds the allegations against the Cabinet Secretary to be substantiated or otherwise. If the Select Committee report finds that the allegations are unsubstantiated, no further proceedings are taken thereafter,” read part of the Speaker’s ruling.
“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.”
Accusations the CS is Facing
Linturi is also facing accusations of breaching Article 153 (2) of the constitution by failing to be individually and collectively accountable thus impacting food security and undermining public confidence in the current administration.
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The MPs also accuse Linturi of failing to provide a report on the number of farmers affected and measures implemented to restore food security in the country.
Further accusations of criminal negligence against CS Linturi involve allowing NCPB to be utilized by private entities to distribute fake fertilizer to the unsuspecting public.
“This single act constitutes a gross violation of Article 152 (6) of the constitution and criminal negligence, thus laying the groundwork for the removal of the Cabinet Secretary under Article 152 (6) of the constitution,” the motion further read.
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