By Peter Ochieng
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Agriculture Franklin Mithika Linturi’s days at Kilimo House maybe numbered, after a Member of Parliament (MP) filed a notice of an impeachment motion against him.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka wants the former Meru Senator out of Kilimo House, with his motion stemming from the fake fertiliser scandal that recently rocked the ministry, in the middle of the long rains planting season.
The first term legislature elected on the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Kenya ticket, says his motion currently enjoys the backing of over 100 MPs.
He says the motion is penciled on allegations bordering on gross misconduct, adding that the fake fertiliser scam is a matter of great public interest, because of its connection to the country’s food security issue.
“The motion is rooted in grave allegations of gross misconduct, violation of constitutional provisions and serious breach of public trust. The evidence presented before the assembly paints a distressing picture of negligence, mismanagement and potential of criminal activities within the ministry,” Wamboka said in an address to the press on Thursday.
The vocal MP poured cold water on claims that his motion is politically motivated, with with hall-marks of witch-hunt.
“I firmly believe that the gravity of this allegations demand swift and decisive action. As elected representatives it’s our duty to hold public officers accountable and to safeguard the interests of the people that we serve.”
“Agriculture is such a key sector, we want to tell the President, please don’t allow one rogue minister to derail your agenda of attaining food security in the country,” he added.
He said he expects National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to first-track the motion, so that it cames up for debate in the House as soon as possible.
The motion will be seconded by Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere.
She urged CS Linturi to ‘save his face’ by resigning, instead of waiting for an impeachment motion to come up against him.
“We want to tell the CS to step aside before we impeach him. Even if investigations were to happen, it won’t be thorough if he is still in the office. if investigations will find him innocent, he can always come back,” she stated.
Among MPs who have reportedly signed the motion include Joyce Kamene (Machakos MP, Wiper), Raphael Wanjala (Budalangi, ODM), Pauline Lenguris (Samburu MP, UDA), Maryanne Kitany (Aldai, UDA), Adams Korir (Keiyo North, UDA), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda, ODM), Samuel Parashina (Kajiado South, ODM), Beatrice Adagala, (Women Representative Vihiga, ANC), Stephen Mogaka (West Mugirango, Jubilee) and Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba, ODM).
This week, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) led by the President, Faith Odhiambo called on the CS to resign, over his handling of the fertiliser scam, lest he be impeached.
“We will petition Parliament to call for the immediate removal of Linturi from office as Cabinet Secretary by dint of Article 152(6) of the Constitution and pursue a class action on behalf of the farmers to seek compensation from the Ministry and the CS,” said Odhiambo.
The CS has however denied any wrong doing, partaining to the scandal.
