“This one caught me by surprise”- Agriculture CS Nominee Finally Speaks on Rumours of Being Linturi’s PA
Dr. Andrew Muhia Karanja, the nominee for the role of Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, has strongly refuted claims that he worked as a personal assistant to former Agriculture Minister Mithika Linturi.
In his testimony before the Parliamentary Vetting Committee on Friday, August 2, Karanja expressed his surprise at the accusations, asserting that they are completely baseless. The controversy involving Karanja began with allegations that he had been Linturi’s personal assistant during Linturi’s troubled term, which was plagued by accusations of fraudulent fertiliser distribution.
During his appearance before the Parliamentary Vetting Committee on Friday, August 2, Karanja expressed his astonishment at the claims, asserting that they are entirely unfounded. “This allegation caught me off guard and surprised me, Mr. Speaker Sir and Honourable Members. I have never met the former Honourable Minister for Agriculture, nor have I ever been his personal assistant,” Karanja stated emphatically.
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As the vetting process progresses, Karanja’s rejection adds a new dimension of intrigue to the ongoing evaluation of Cabinet nominees.
The committee’s review of Karanja is becoming more intense, with public curiosity growing due to his extensive career in public service.
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Karanja, whose nomination for the Cabinet Secretary position was met with great anticipation, is acknowledged for his over thirty years of experience.
His career achievements include roles such as Lead Economist at the State Department of Livestock, Senior Agricultural Economist at the World Bank, and Research Fellow at the Tegemeo Institute.
His areas of expertise include development economics, rural development, and agricultural finance.
Speculation about Karanja’s nomination increased after it was revealed that another nominee, Eric Muriithi Muuga, is from the same region as Linturi.
Muuga, nominated for the Cabinet Secretary role in Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, comes from Athi Market in Igembe South, just a few kilometers from Linturi’s residence.
Muuga’s nomination has been positively received by his community. As a Civil Engineer, he is noted for his humility and hard work, in contrast to the contentious issues surrounding Karanja’s appointment.
The political climate remains tense as both Karanja and Muuga proceed through their respective vetting processes.
While Karanja faces scrutiny over unsubstantiated claims, Muuga’s nomination is being closely monitored as part of the broader Cabinet reshuffle under President William Ruto.
“This one caught me by surprise”- Agriculture CS Nominee Finally Speaks on Rumours of Being Linturi’s PA
