Wetang’ula warns National Assembly committees against harassing state officials
Parliamentary committees have faced previous allegations of corruption, with some members accused of soliciting bribes from witnesses.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned parliamentary committees against mistreating government officials appearing before them for questioning. He revealed that his office had received complaints from various government departments and agencies about the treatment they receive from some committees.
“There are only a few committees, no more than four, whose oversighted government departments have consistently lodged complaints with the Speaker’s chamber regarding the manner in which they are handled when they appear before them,” Wetang’ula said.
More To Read
- National Treasury in a spot over Sh40 billion withdrawn and spent without MPs’ approval
- Changes in parliamentary committees loom as ODM-UDA sign cooperation deal
- Treasury admits Sh73 billion budget error, seeks amendment
- National Assembly committees given seven days to elect leadership as reshuffle takes effect
“I encourage you to serve without fear or favour and to uphold integrity. Avoid the temptation of assuming an illegitimate title within the committee,” he added.
The Speaker did not name the specific committees accused of harassment. However, past concerns have been raised about some committees allegedly extorting witnesses in exchange for favourable reports.
Wetang’ula urged MPs to uphold integrity while carrying out their oversight roles and directed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to ensure that misconduct is reported and acted upon.
“Majority Leader, ensure that integrity is upheld in the House, and when you receive such complaints, do not sweep them under the carpet. We have mechanisms within the House to address any misconduct, including the ultimate appearance before the Powers and Privileges Committee,” he said.
He emphasised that his role includes protecting lawmakers as they perform their duties but does not extend to shielding misconduct.
“I will protect all members who conduct themselves in accordance with the Standing Orders, the Constitution, and, above all, the expectations of the people we serve,” he stated.
Corruption allegations
Parliamentary committees have faced previous allegations of corruption, with some members accused of soliciting bribes from witnesses.
Investigations tied to bribery claims include the contaminated sugar report, the Ruaraka land scandal and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
In the past, committees such as the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by former Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba, and the Budget and Appropriations Committee, led by Mutava Musyimi, have been disbanded over corruption allegations.
In 2018, a joint committee on agriculture and trade was accused of accepting bribes while investigating the uncontrolled importation of sugar in 2017. Some of the sugar was suspected to be toxic as it had not been fully processed.
That same year, four senators in the Public Accounts Committee were accused of demanding Sh100 million from businessman Francis Mburu to influence a report on the Sh1.5 billion Ruaraka land case.
Mburu reportedly recorded the senators and submitted the evidence to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Recently, bribery allegations resurfaced during the impeachment motion of former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo raised the claims on the floor of the House, urging the Speaker to halt the process until the allegations were investigated.
Top Stories Today
