Bumula MP Wamboka Fears for His Life as Linturi Ouster Trial Kicks Off
A significant confrontation is set to take place in Parliament today as the impeachment trial of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi begins.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, who sponsored the motion reviewed by a 10-member National Assembly committee, has claimed his life is at risk.
The committee, led by Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo, will review the case against the Agriculture CS and address MP Wamboka’s safety concerns and the CS’s lawyers’ preliminary objections.
At a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, Wamboka stated he had increased his security due to being followed by unidentified cars and people. He pledged to continue his efforts for Kenya’s integrity and urged the National Assembly to protect members who propose such motions.
The committee must submit its report by next Monday during a special session called by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Hearings will take place over three days until Friday, after which the committee will prepare its report.
Wamboka, represented by Senior Counsel John Khaminwa, needs to prove his case against Linturi. He plans to use eight witnesses: six farmers and two experts. Wamboka emphasized the importance of documents signed by Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono and requested the committee to summon him as a witness.
Wamboka also requested the committee to call upon the chief operating officer of KEL Chemicals to provide testimony.
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Linturi’s lawyer, Muthomi Thiankolu, stated they are ready to show that the motion is flawed, relying on a 386-page affidavit sworn by the CS. Thiankolu questioned the admissibility of the motion before the committee and opposed Wamboka’s proposed witnesses, arguing their testimonies should have been part of the original motion evidence.
The committee plans to decide whether Wamboka can call PS Rono as a witness and whether the motion is valid.
Waqo promised both sides a fair trial and stated that the committee would be guided by the evidence presented.
Linturi faces three charges: gross misconduct, gross constitutional violation, and committing a crime.
If the allegations lack substantiation, the trial will not continue. The committee finds the allegations substantiated, the House will either accept or reject the report. If approved, the House’s decision will be sent to the President, who can then remove the CS.
During the pre-trial, Linturi received support from some Meru leaders who blamed the UDA party for the CS’s difficulties.
They argued that the party had neglected Linturi in his time of need and called on President William Ruto to support the CS.
In Maua town, Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma, County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi, and local legislators called for action against those responsible for providing fake fertilizer.
“The Cabinet Secretary is a policymaker and was not directly involved in the production and distribution of the fertilizer,” Bundi stated.
Bumula MP Wamboka Fears for His Life as Linturi Ouster Trial Kicks Off