Published on April 30, 2024 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 2 years by Agencies for Kenya Online News
National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula has approved a motion seeking to impeach Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi.
Wetangula said the motion by Bumula MP Jack Wanami meets the threshold for admission to the house
“The motion meets the appropriate requirements for it to be admitted to the next step,” the speaker said.
Wanami in his motion accuses Linturi of gross violation of the constitution.
His bid is in relation to the procurement and distribution of fake fertiliser.
Wanami will now be seeking the formation of a special committee to probe allegations against the CS.
According to Wamboka, CS Linturi is unsuitable to continue holding office.
The fake fertilizer scandal is being probed by both the National Assembly and Senate Agriculture Committees.
MP Wamboka, who is backed by signatures of 110 legislators said the fertilizer scandal is not the first in the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that it has eroded the confidence of farmers and thereby negatively affecting efforts by the government to achieve food security.
In Parliament, he urged fellow lawmakers to support the motion, saying that it is not politically motivated nor is it grounded on a witch-hunt.
Among MPs who have since 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), Adagala Beatrice (Vihiga MP, ANC), Stephen Mogaka (West Mugirango, JP), and Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba, ODM).
Others who appended their signatures are; Mohamed Adow (Wajir South, ODM), David Pkosing (Pokost South, KUP), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri, UDA), James Wamacukuru (Kabete, UDA) and Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North, DP).
The impeachment motion is anchored on Article 152 (6) of the Constitution which states that a Member of the National Assembly, supported by at least one-quarter of all the members of the National Assembly, may propose a motion requiring the President to dismiss a Cabinet Secretary.
The motion however requires to be voted for by at least 233 members in order to sail through.
