‘I would not wish what I’m going through on any human being’ – Linturi
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi says he has been through a painful journey in life, which was manifesting itself through the impeachment motion before Parliament.
Speaking before an 11-member committee hearing the impeachment motion against him, Linturi termed his woes as an occupational hazard which comes with his job.
"Whatever I've gone through for a number of years which is also manifesting itself here is not something I would wish on any human being. It has been a long painful journey. When I thought I had gone through that kind of trauma, the motion is here with the same stories that I've been trying to fight for years," Linturi said.
"It is very painful for me because when I took over the Ministry the country was in a crisis, we didn't have food, we were trying to import food. We produced 67 million bags within the first year. I will soldier on because this is what I would call occupational hazard, it comes with the job I'm doing but remember members, I sat on that side for 15 years, you may also cross to this side. So as you decide on this matter, please do justice."
Linturi, who denied any wrongdoing, lamented that his case has been linked to personal cases of love and affection, relating to his previous relationship.
"We have been wondering, and we have read and read this motion with a lot of keenness. And we've been left wondering why we are here. Of course we know a simple answer that there's a motion before the house and it was sent to this committee to investigate," Linturi added.
"Here's why we've been wondering why we are here. The motion before you has three allegations, allegation number one relates to the Constitution, allegation number two relates to alleged crimes at the national law which unfortunately the evidence given, is the evidence that arises from personal cases about love and affection."
Wamboka against Linturi
Speaking during the trial, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, who is sponsoring the motion, accused Linturi of giving different versions of information on the fake fertiliser case.
"This is a case of gross violations of the Constitution and gross misconduct. If the country is food secure then you have a healthy nation. This motion highlights various violations meted up against innocent Kenyans through distribution of fake fertilizer," Wamboka said.
"I've looked at the documents submitted by my good friend Mithika Linturi, and this is nothing more than a love letter from a jilted lover. That these are grave matters of national importance to be reduced to love matters. Ukiachwa achika."
The trial will go on for three days before the committee retires to write its report in the case.
