Busia Women Representative Catherine Omanyo has unveiled the intricate details behind Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi’s survival from the motion of impeachment tabled against him.
While speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday May 14, Omanyo who was a member of the 11-person committee revealed that she was offered a bribe to vote against Linturi’s impeachment but turned down the offer to fight for the Kenyan farmers.
“I was there, and I wanted to listen keenly to make my decision. There were arguments and people were willing to fight back,” Omanyo said.
“People walked away and most of the Committee members supporting the motion were intimidated and issued with threats.”
Omanyo further revealed that two people approached her separately on the issue to increase the chances of luring her to accept the bribe in favor of the CS.
“The first one said there is Ksh. 2,000,000 for each person but later said that things seem tough, and the money will be raised to Ksh. 3,000,000,” she said.
“The other person asked me to say what I wanted at that time so that we go where the person is or he will come here.”
The 11 Member Committee had ten (10) days, to determine whether the allegations against the Cabinet Secretary were substantiated.
The committee held twelve sittings to investigate the proposed dismissal of the Agriculture and Livestock Development CS.
According to Naomi Waqo the chairperson of the committee, four members dissented and made it publicly known to the committee.
However, seven out of the 11 committee members investigating the fake fertilizer scam voted to save Linturi.
While presenting the report, Naomi Waqo informed the House that the Committee found that allegations against the Cabinet Secretary were unsubstantiated.
This meant that there will be no further proceedings on the matter.
The Motion for the proposed removal of the CS was moved by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, on the grounds of alleged gross misconduct.
Also cited was the gross violation of the Constitution and reasons to believe the CS committed a crime under national law.
In response to the outcome of the impeachment, Wamboka accused MPs of betraying Kenyans by letting Linturi off the hook over the fake fertilizer scandal.
“The unanimous decision of 149 members representing over 30M Kenyans cannot be overturned by the influenced 7 members of the select committee. Their decision is a betrayal in the city to the hardworking Kenyans in our villages,” he said.
Despite the setback dealt by the select committee’s decision, Wamboka has stated that he will not tire until justice is served to Kenyan farmers and Linturi is dismissed.
“We will not relent in pursuit of this fake fertilizer scandal that has rendered farmers hopeless and endangered the country’s food security,” Wamboka said.
“There is no doubt that all evidence and witnesses proved beyond reasonable doubt that Linturi as the head of the docket was liable for the mess, scam and failures.”
