Mithika Linturi, currently serving as Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, has been embroiled in a series of controversies in his political career.
Linturi, who began his career as an insurance broker, entered politics over two decades ago.
Despite initial setbacks, including failed attempts to secure a parliamentary seat, he eventually won the position of Member of Parliament for Igembe South Constituency in 2007.
However, his personal life has often made headlines.
Born in 1969 in Amwamba village, Igembe South Constituency, Meru County, Linturi’s early life was shaped by the guidance of his religious parents.
He is the son of Julia Mwikamba and the late Peter Linturi.
His highly publicized divorce from Marianne J. Kitany, a former influential figure in the office of the deputy president, brought allegations of abuse and property disputes to the forefront.
Academic Pursuits of Linturi
The CS embarked on his education journey at Amwamba Primary School before joining Igembe Boys Secondary School.
Upon completing secondary education in 1989, Linturi joined Meru Technical College to pursue a course in accounting (CPA).
He enrolled at the Kenya Institute of Marketing for his Diploma in Marketing and College of Insurance where he obtained a certificate in insurance.
His academic exploits culminated in a Law degree at the University of Nairobi.
Financial Networth of Linturi
Linturi claimed that his financial worth, including investments in various companies and SACCOs, amounts to approximately Ksh1.2 billion.
Also Read: Blow to Linturi as MPs Approve Impeachment Motion; Here’s What Next
Additionally, he mentioned expecting nearly Ksh1 billion in income from his livestock farming and agriculture endeavors.
“I am a dairy farmer; I keep cows and goats. I also grow Sukuma wiki,”
“The money I expect to get in the near future is beyond Ksh1 billion,” said Linturi.
However, as the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Linturi faced further challenges.
Allegations of incompetence and mismanagement of resources plagued his tenure, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations probing his ministry’s alleged involvement in a fake fertilizer scandal.
Pending Courtroom Battles Facing Linturi
In 2021, Linturi shed light on his ongoing legal battles, revealing that he was currently embroiled in a staggering 35 court cases.
Speaking before the National Assembly committee on appointments, Linturi emphasized that he perceives himself as a victim of an unjust justice system.
The former Meru Senator faced intense scrutiny from the committee, which pressed him to address the multitude of legal challenges he was confronting.
Among these cases was a recent one involving attempted rape charges, which Linturi disclosed had been withdrawn.
During an appearance before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday, April 11, Linturi defended himself against allegations regarding the quality of fertilizer supplied under a government subsidy program.
He contended that the fertilizer in question was merely substandard.
Prior to this, on Thursday, April 2, the National Assembly passed a motion for the impeachment of Linturi, who holds the position of Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture.
Impeachment Motion
The motion, brought forth by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, accused Linturi of displaying incompetence and mismanaging resources within his ministry.
Also Read: Wetang’ula Recalls MPs for Special Session to Determine the Fate of Linturi
Out of the 188 Members of Parliament present during the session, 149 voted in favor of the motion, while 36 voted against it.
Leading the opposition to the motion was Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
Following the vote, the National Assembly established an 11-member committee comprising MPs from both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio factions.
The committee was tasked with investigating the allegations leveled against Linturi.
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