Speaker Wetangula recalls MPs over Linturi's impeachment motion

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi will know his fate in one week after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula recalled MPs to discuss the report of a committee investigating the conduct of the besieged CS.

MPs proceeded on a long recess on May 2 and were scheduled to resume on June 4 according to the calendar of the House but will now report back on Monday, May 13. 

Wetangula will then receive the report from the select committee tasked with investigating impeachment allegations against the CS and present it to the lawmakers for debate.  

"That, pursuant to the provisions of Article 152 (7)(b)  of the Constitution and Standing Orders 64(3) and 66, I have appointed Monday, May 13, 2024, at 2.30 pm as the day and time for a special sitting of the House to receive the report of the Select Committee," the communication from the speaker reads.

Wetangula further directed the National Assembly Clerk to communicate the changes to the MPs and urge them to prepare the necessary messages for formal conveyance, including arrangements to facilitate the special sitting. 

The committee tasked with looking into the allegations bedevilling Linturi is chaired by Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo. Waqo and 10 other MPs held their initial sitting on Thursday last week and will also meet today, Monday, May 6, to compile their much-awaited report. 

Speaker Wetangua gave the committee 10 days to conduct investigations, including calling witnesses to testify, before compiling a report. CS Linturi will also be granted an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations cited in the impeachment motion sponsored by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka.

MP Wamboka listed three grounds in the motion, including gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, serious reasons to believe the CS has committed a crime under national law, and gross misconduct.

At the centre of Linturi's woes is the fake/sub-standard fertiliser scandal which attracted nationwide condemnation. 

If the select committee finds the allegations unsubstantiated, no further proceedings shall be taken. However, should the allegations be proven, Linturi will appear before the National Assembly before the MPs seal his fate. 

Speaker Wetangula will then ask President William Ruto to dismiss the CS if the committee report obtains the support of the majority of the House, at least 2/3rd of the present lawmakers during the debate. 

Wetangula also indicated in his communication that during the May 13 special sitting, lawmakers will consider other important matters including the Senate amendments to the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 14 of 2024) and the report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on the Ratification of the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.

The others are the Committee of the Whole House on the Senate amendments to the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 14 of 2024) and the Committee of the Whole House and Third Reading of the National Disaster Risk Management Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 24 of 2023).