In a significant development on the country's political landscape, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula greenlit a motion seeking the impeachment of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
The motion, spearheaded by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, has gained traction in Parliament, with Wetang'ula acknowledging its compliance with constitutional and parliamentary procedures.
The motion, set to be debated on Thursday, May 2, during both morning and afternoon sessions, puts Linturi's fate in the hands of MPs who have seven days to deliberate on the allegations presented by Wamboka.
Linturi will have the opportunity to defend himself against the accusations levelled in the motion.
The grounds for his impeachment, as outlined by Wamboka, include gross violations of the constitution, particularly Articles 10(c), 153(2), and 152(6), pertaining to good governance, accountability, and criminal negligence, respectively.
"The sale of fake fertiliser and authorisation by the Cabinet Secretary to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) for the use of the facilities by private individuals is a breach of duty by the CS," reads the motion in part.
The motion alleges that Linturi breached his duties by allowing the sale of fake fertiliser through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), consequently jeopardising food security in the country. It further accuses him of failing to be accountable to the president and the public regarding the extent of the issue and measures taken to address it.
"In breach of his duty of accountability and in gross violation of Article 153 (2) of the constitution, the CS has failed to be forthright on this matter thus affecting food security and eroding public confidence in the current administration," reads the motion.
Wetang'ula reiterated the seriousness of the motion, stating, "Following my approval of the proposed motion, I will allow the Member for Bumula to give notice of motion for dismissal of CS for Agriculture this afternoon. Once the member gives the notice of motion, the motion shall proceed to the next stage."
Highlighting the timeline for the House to address the motion, Wetang'ula pointed out that it must be disposed of within seven days of the notice being given. Failure to adhere to this timeline would result in the motion being withdrawn unless the Speaker grants permission for its re-introduction during the session.
Given the impending one-month recess starting from May 3, 2024, Wetang'ula suggested that the House aim to conclude the matter by May 2, 2024. This timeline would ensure that the House remains seized of the issue before the recess commences.
For the motion to proceed, it must garner support from at least one-third of the members of the National Assembly, totaling 117 members. Upon approval, a select committee comprising 11 members will be appointed to investigate the allegations against Linturi.
The select committee will have ten days to report its findings to the Assembly, determining whether the allegations against the CS are substantiated.
If deemed unsubstantiated, no further action will be taken. However, if the allegations are upheld, the House will vote on whether to approve the resolution for Mr. Linturi's dismissal.
Linturi is one of two Cabinet Secretaries from whom MPs are demanding their resignation. Susan Nakhumincha, the Health CS, is the other person.
