By Peter Ochieng
The National Assembly has nominated 11 Members of Parliament (MPs) to investigate claims levelled against Cabinet Secretary (CS) for agriculture Franklin Mithika Linturi.
On Thursday morning, legislatures overwhelmingly approved a motion moved by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka to impeach the CS, over the fake fertilizer scandal.
The Kenya Kwanza part of the political divide submitted names of 6 legislatures because of the numerical strength in the House, while Azimio provided the remaining 5.
Kenya Kwanza MPs are:
Naomi Waqo (Marsabit Women Representative)
Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi)
George Murungara (Tharaka)
Jane Maina (Kirinyaga Women Representative)
Moses Injendi (Malava)
Kassim Tandaza (Matuga)
Azimio will be represented by:
Robert Mbui (Kathiani)
Tom Joseph (TJ) Kajwang (Ruaraka)
Catherine Omanyo (Busia Women Representative)
Yusuf Farah (Wajir West)
Rachael Nyamai (Kitutu South)
A total of 149 members voted in favour of the motion, 36 rejected it while three members abstained from the vote.
The three include Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir who was in Kisumu at the time the vote was being taken.
Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale is among Kenyans to have welcomed the approval of Linturi’s ouster motion.
“By impeaching CS Mithika Linturi, the National Assembly has handed the president the perfect opportunity to reorganise his cabinet and demonstrate his commitment to the fight against corruption. Congratulations, Hon @Hon Wamboka. Kenya is happy,” said the vocal legislature.
On his part, lawyer Donald Kipkorir urged the CS to resign.
“Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to remove Agriculture Minister Linturi Mithika for sale of Fake Fertilizers to farmers. In civilized democracies, if majority members impeach a President, Prime Minister or Cabinet Minister, the impeached member resigns without subjecting the country to impeachment proceedings. Linturi Mithika should resign,” he said.
The advocate said the CS should take both moral and political responsibility for the fake fertilizer scam.