Drama as Azimio MPs Disrupt Linturi Impeachment Debate

A section of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly disrupted the debate on a motion of impeachment against Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.

The MPs disrupted the debate through shouts and protests led by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba on Thursday May 5, 2024, and a section of members from the Azimio la Umoja side.

“Linturi Must Go! Linturi Must Go!” the Law makers chanted as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula tried to calm them down.

Moments before the MPs engaged each other in a shouting match, Kathiani MP George Mbui was making his contribution when he urged Members opposed to the motion to consider their electorate.

In his submission, Mbui asserted that members opposing Linturi’s impeachment would be voted out by angry constituents in the next elections.

“Members, I want you to note that whatever we are doing here, all Kenyan farmers have left their farms, and they are watching us.

Also Read: Blow to Linturi as MPs Approve Impeachment Motion; Here’s What Next

And Kenyan farmers have already been disgruntled, there are some farmers who bought fertilizer and when they took it to their farms their crop is failing. As we vote today let’s vote with our conscience,” said Mbui.

MPs turn rowdy

His statements, however, sparked rage among members majorly from the Kenya Kwanza side who jeered and made noise to disrupt him. 

In retaliation, Azimio MPs rose and broke into songs and a shouting match ensued with chants of “Linturi Must Go” renting the air.

Also Read: Linturi Ranked Worst Performing CS in Ruto Cabinet

At some point, the Sergeants at arms were forced to intervene and stand in between the aisles as Speaker Moses Wetangula attempted to calm down the temperatures.

After a brief disruption of the debate, Wetangula was able to contain the MPs and the impeachment debate resumed.

Linturi Impeachment

Bumula MP Jack Wamboka who is the mover of the special motion on dismissal of the CS tabled it before the House on May 2, 2024, after Speaker Wetangula approved it.

“That pursuant to the provisions of Article 152(6) of the Constitution and Standing Orders 64(1A) and 66, this House RESOLVES that the President DISMISSES the Hon. Franklin Mithika Linturi from the office of Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development,” reads part of the motion.

Speaker Wetangula in his earlier ruling approved the motion stating that it fulfilled all constitutional and Standing Orders threshold.

The Agriculture CS faces charges of Gross violation of Articles 2, 10(1)(c), 46, 73, and 201 of the Constitution.

According to the motion mover, the motion is aimed at assisting Kenyan farmers who he claims are not going to harvest because of fake fertilizer.

“This is a motion that is going to wipe the tears of Kenyan farmers who are now disjointed and do not know what happens,” said Wamboka.

The MP accused Linturi of committing a crime by authorizing distribution of fake fertilizer and later blaming the manufacturing company.

Linturi defended

On the other hand, nominated MP Sabina Chege who was opposing the motion asked the house to allow the Agriculture Committee to conduct investigations.

“The agriculture committee should be given time to do investigations and bring a proper report on what happened because we have crooks as businessmen. CS Mithika Linturi is not responsible for the fake fertilizer scam, someone else is.” said Chege.

National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa also opposed the motion saying that it is a decoy to make sure that the people who are culpable are hidden by derailing the agriculture committee from doing investigations.

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