DCI gri*l Linturi on fertiliser scandal
Embattled Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has been grilled by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives over the fake fertiliser scandal even as the National Assembly reconvenes this morning to debate a special motion seeking to have him removed from office.
The detectives, drawn from the Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit (ECCU) of the DCI grilled the CS at his Kilimo House office last Friday over his alleged role in the fake fertiliser scandal.
Linturi, who was accompanied by his advisers and legal team, denied any role in the scam and maintained that his role is mainly policy and he is not involved in procurement at all.
His probe file is yet to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for recommendations. The grilling came even as it emerged that MPs are sharply divided over whether to send the CS home or to save him despite indications that those in support of the motion sponsored by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka Wanami far outnumber those opposed to his removal.
This was evident as on Tuesday evening and the better part of yesterday as legislators held informal meetings on the corridors of parliament.
Many were heard complaining about the conduct of the CS with some of them accusing him of being arrogant and unfriendly.
An MP from Meru region and another one from central Rift who in the company of about five other legislators could be heard rallying their colleagues to support the motion to save the agriculture sector from collapse.
Linturi’s fate
The MPs could be heard loudly protesting that Linturi never consults anyone, has assumed the role of a big person since he took over office and does not regard MPs as partners.
Said one of the members: “Huyu Linturi ni arrogant sana (Linturi is very arrogant.). Haven’t you seen how he behaves when he comes here, we now have an opportunity to send him home so that we can get a person who is willing to listen to us.”
National Assembly minority leader and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku separately maintained that Linturi’s fate had been sealed.
Wandayi told MPs to seize the moment and turn out in large numbers during today’s sitting to debate and send Linturi home.
Said Wandayi: “This motion is the last resort that the people of this country through their elected leadership can take as a way of holding to account those that have been put in service of the nation.”
But Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa came to the defence of Linturi saying the person to be held accountable is the Principal Secretary as the accounting officer of the ministry and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) as it is the entity that sold the fake fertiliser.
He said: “As for me although I am not a personal friend to Linturi, I believe that the Minister doesn’t procure anything, the person who should be crucified is the NCPB Managing Director and the PS.”
He added: “A cabinet reshuffle is what we need, so that we can know where we are. In fact, we are getting to almost half of the term of this government and by now the head of state knows the competences of his people.”
Allowed motion
On Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula allowed the impeachment motion against Linturi on grounds that he was as satisfied that the motion met all the requirements of the law and the standing orders.
The impeachment motion is backed by 110 MPs, including those from President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza side.
Ruled Wetangula: “In view of the foregoing, I find the proposed special motion meets the application procedural requirements for it to be admitted to the next stage.”
