The Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Samuel Kobia, has petitioned the National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, to launch an investigation into Bumula MP Jack Wamboka on bribery and intimidation allegations.
In a formal letter to Wetang’ula, Kobia raised serious concerns about Wamboka’s conduct in his role as Chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education.
The complaint follows engagements between the committee and NCIC officials during the examination of the Auditor General’s reports for the 2021/2022 and 2023/2024 financial years.
According to the NCIC boss, the MP allegedly harassed and demeaned his officers who had appeared before the committee.
“This behaviour has created an environment of intimidation and embarrassment, which does not foster healthy engagement or encourage accountability,” said Kobia.
He noted that Wamboka’s alleged conduct has discouraged officers from participating freely and constructively in the audit process, undermining the principles of democratic oversight.
Kobia termed the allegations an abuse of office and a violation of constitutional principles, including those enshrined in Chapter Six on leadership and integrity.
He went ahead to call for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations and also urged the speaker to put in place measures to protect public servants from harassment and coercion during committee appearances.
Following the petition, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Sholei confirmed receipt of the complaint and informed MPs that the allegations raised by NCIC touched on the integrity of parliamentary processes and privilege.
According to her, Kobia’s letter not only cited alleged harassment but also alleged possible corruption in the form of inducement demands for those seeking to appear before the committee.
She noted that should such claims be substantiated, they would constitute serious violations of Chapter Six of the Constitution, as well as the Leadership and Integrity Act.
The Deputy Speaker further revealed that Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma had also written to his office regarding the matter, urging urgent investigation.
Kaluma warned that failure to address the allegations promptly could undermine Parliament’s constitutional oversight role.
“Honourable Members, the established practice of the House requires that once an issue touching on the privilege of the House is raised, as has now been done by the Honourable Kaluma, the issue must be dispensed with as a matter of priority,” said Gladys Boss.
