Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka and the mover of the impeachment motion against Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has raised concerns about his safety as the select 11-member committee commenced business.
Wamboka raised the concerns on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, during a pre-trial conference before the eleven-member Select committee which is investigating grounds for Linturi’s ouster.
“It has also been challenging, that I have had to enhance my security; it’s not been easy. I have been followed by unmarked cars, strange people but we will soldier on,” said the lawmaker.
He further decried the online smear campaign against him stating that some social media bloggers are being used to malign his family.
Also Read: Drama as Azimio MPs Disrupt Linturi Impeachment Debate
“My wife has also been attacked online but I know that this is something I signed for, and I am not relenting,” he added.
Wamboka raises concerns over his security
During the impeachment trial on Wednesday, the Bumula MP questioned the Committee’s response over the security concerns raised saying that he expected the committee to pronounce itself on that issue.
However, the legislator assured the Committee that the threats would not hold him down from pushing the ouster of CS Linturi.
He sustained his attacks on Linturi promising to push the international community to declare him Persona non Grata.
The Bumula MP further threatened to write to the European Union and the United States to delink themselves from Linturi, insisting he is guilty on the grounds of violating the constitution.
“If Linturi was a gentleman he would have resigned by now. I will be appealing to Kenyan partners and donors to stop any interaction with the CS and declare him Persona non grata on the basis that he was voted out by 149 members,” said Wamboka.
According to the lawmaker, all the evidence tabled before the office of the clerk clearly showed the CS was linked to the fake fertilizer scam, vowing that his team will prove it.
Also Read: Ruto Gives Linturi & Other CSs Fresh Orders Amid Floods
“Food security is a matter of concern to this country, and we will make sure that we hold those in power accountable for their actions,” he said.
Committee to determine Linturi’s fate
On Tuesday, the Select committee chaired by Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo allowed the parties to submit their witness list and evidence, while also setting the rules of engagement.
MP Wamboka is set to present 8 witnesses, two experts and six farmers to support their case.
CS Linturi on the other hand who is being represented by lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu as the lead counsel will be the only witness in the impeachment process.
The first-time parliamentarian however requested the committee to summon the KEL Chemicals chief Operating Officer and Agriculture PS to form a strong case to remove Linturi.
“I’m a member of the National Assembly. I am doing this for public interest, no gain. The gain is for farmers,” he said.
The committee is expected to take 10 days to finalize and submit its report to the House by Monday May 14, at 2.30. Pm.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
