Parliament Approves Impeachment Inquiry into Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi
Parliamentarians have given the green light to proceed with the impeachment of the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
During the National Assembly vote on Thursday, May 2, 149 MPs approved moving forward with the impeachment process for CS Linturi. The assembly aims to finalize the impeachment motion before its June recess.
The motion required at least one-third of the 349-member assembly’s support, and it surpassed this threshold.
Out of the 188 members who voted, 149 supported the motion, 36 opposed it, and three abstained.
The National Assembly will now establish a select committee to investigate the accusations against CS Linturi.
The select committee’s makeup includes six members from the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, four from the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, and one from the Jubilee Party.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula stated, “When appointing committee members, parties should ensure that the nominees reflect the assembly’s diversity, including regional and gender considerations.”
The committee has ten days to report its findings to the Assembly and determine the validity of the allegations against Linturi. If the claims are confirmed, the Assembly will vote on his removal.
Linturi, alongside Health CS Susan Nakhumincha, is facing increasing pressure to step down from his position.
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Kathiani MP Robert Mbui urged colleagues to vote thoughtfully, considering the impact on Kenyan farmers affected by the scandal. “Let’s vote with our conscience,” Mbui encouraged.
Rarienda MP Atiende Omollo, a supporter of the motion, emphasized Linturi’s responsibility as the ministry’s leader. “Should the CS be accountable for the motion and the issue at hand? The answer is YES,” Omollo stated, citing evidence implicating Linturi.
Nevertheless, Linturi has support from Kenya Kwanza coalition members, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, who cautioned against a hasty impeachment based on unverified claims. Ichung’wa urged the Assembly to let the Agriculture Committee conduct a detailed investigation first.
“We cannot impeach someone based on newspaper reports. I urge the House to reject this motion because it will undermine the fight against corruption,” Ichung’wa said.
Similarly, nominated MP Sabina Chege called for a measured approach, advocating for the identification and punishment of those exploiting innocent farmers. “Those taking advantage of innocent farmers should be jailed,” Chege stressed.
The grounds for Linturi’s impeachment, as stated by Wamboka, include severe violations of the constitution such as breaches of good governance, accountability, and criminal negligence.
The accusations center on distributing counterfeit fertilizer through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), damaging Linturi’s reputation.
Parliament Approves Impeachment Inquiry into Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi