National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has recalled Members of Parliament for a special session to determine the fate of Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Franklin Mithika Linturi.
The special sitting was convened after the national Assembly proceeded for a one-month recess on 2nd May 2024 and is set to resume on Tuesday, 4th June 2024 in accordance with the Calendar of the National Assembly.
In a notification shared on Monday May 6, Wetang’ula said that on 2nd May 2024 the House resolved to establish a Select Committee to investigate the grounds regarding the proposed dismissal of Linturi as Agriculture CS.
He further announced that the special sitting of the House will take place on Monday May 13 at 2.30pm.
“Noting that, pursuant to the provisions of Article 152(7) of the Constitution and Standing Order 66(5)(b), the Select Committee ought to report back to the House, within ten days, on whether the allegations against the Cabinet Secretary are substantiated,” read the statement in part.
Speaker Wetang’ula Calls for a Special Sitting
“THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Article 152(7)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Orders 64(3) and 66, I have appointed Monday, 13th May 2024 at 2.30 p.m. as the day and time for a Monday, 13th May 2024 at 2.30 p.m. as the day and time for a Special Sitting of the House to receive the report of the said Select Committee,” the statement further read.
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The Motion for the proposed removal of the CS was moved by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, on the grounds of alleged gross misconduct.
Also cited was the gross violation of the Constitution and reasons to believe the CS committed a crime under national law.
Allegations Against Linturi
In the motion, Wamboka cites that the Cabinet Secretary had acted in a manner not befitting of a state officer by approving the procurement and distribution of fake fertilizer by the National Cereals and Produce Board.
Wamboka further alleges that the CS submitted false information to the Parliamentary committee investigating the controversial matter that saw farmers in the country receive soil conditioner disguised as fertilizer.
The May 2 sitting chaired by Wetang’ula saw a total 188 legislators take the vote with 149 MPs voting in favor of the Motion, 36 against, while three MPs abstained from the vote.
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This was however followed by the formation of the National Assembly Select Committee of 11 Members to investigate allegations leveled against Linturi.
The Committee consists of six members from the Majority Coalition, four from the Minority Coalition and one from Jubilee Party, which was recently declared a Parliamentary Party in the House.
Wetang’ula further directed the select committee to submit its report to the National Assembly on the allegations against the Cabinet Secretary within 10 days.
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