Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi
- 146 views
National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang'ula has approved a motion to impeach Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
The motion proposed by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka seeks the removal of Mr Linturi from his position on three primary grounds: violation of the constitution, violation of Article 46, and gross misconduct. According to Mr Wetang'ula, the motion put forth by the newly elected legislator satisfies all the constitutional and Standing Orders requirements. Consequently, he has permitted Mr Wamboka to formally announce the motion. The House is scheduled to deliberate on the motion during their morning and afternoon sessions on Thursday.
Members of Parliament will have seven days to deliberate and reach a decision regarding Mr Linturi's fate. During this time, Mr Linturi will be afforded the opportunity to defend himself against the accusations presented. The motion alleges that Mr Linturi has disregarded Article 10 (c) of the constitution, which mandates the upholding of good governance, transparency, and accountability while carrying out his duties as the Cabinet Secretary. Specifically, the motion accuses him of selling counterfeit fertilizer and granting private individuals access to the facilities of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), actions that constitute a breach of his responsibilities.
Furthermore, the motion states that Mr Linturi is accused of violating the constitution by distributing relief food to farmers through the NCPB without adhering to proper procedures. Additionally, he is alleged to have failed to provide a report on the number of affected farmers and measures taken to restore food security to the president, thereby undermining public trust in the government. The motion also alleges that Mr Linturi allowed private entities to distribute counterfeit fertilizer through NCPB, an act considered criminal negligence and a violation of the constitution.
"Instead of taking responsibility for the scandal involving the distribution of counterfeit fertilizer to farmers, he is undermining those who exposed it. He has not been honest with the National Assembly, which is responsible for representing the people, about the amount of fake fertilizer involved," the motion states.
The motion argues that Mr Linturi's job is at stake due to his serious violation of the principles of good governance, accountability, and integrity. It accuses him of refusing to accept blame for causing chaos in the country and decreasing public trust in the government.