The National Assembly Select Committee on the Proposed Dismissal of Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Agriculture and Livestock Development wrapped up hearings on Friday, May 10, 2024 with closing statements from the mover of the Motion, Hon. Jack Wamboka and the CS, Hon. Franklin Mithika Linturi.  

During the hearings, five witnesses appeared for Hon. Wamboka, they were; Mr. Titus Kiprotich a farmer from Kipkelion West, Kericho County, Mr. Bernard Kuria, farmer from Githinguri, Kiambu County, Mr. David Ndegwa, a farmer from Kieni, Nyeri County, Mr. Hosea Ruto and Mr. Sam Kiptum Birgen from Uasin Gishu County. 

CS Linturi took the stand on May 9^th 2024 where he distanced himself from the procurement process saying a Cabinet Secretary is not directly involved in the process. He argued that it is the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Managing Director who oversaw the procurement of the subsidized fertilizer.  

Hon. Wamboka, however, pointed out that the CS needed to be held responsible. He wondered why when good things happened in the Ministry, they were attributed to the CS yet when things went wrong, the CS is quick to distance himself from the happenings.

He said the issue of fake fertilizer is affecting Kenyan farmers and Kenyans’ social economic rights had been tampered with.

"There are farmers who are affected. Kenyans social economic rights have been tampered with. I urge this Committee not to turn a blind eye to this matter. Uphold the Constitution and make the right decision on this matter,” Hon. Wamboka said.

Senior Counsel Dr. Khaminwa accused Hon. Linturi of trivializing the Motion and the Cabinet Secretary must go.

On Hon. Wamboka’s request for the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Kipronoh Rono and the Managing Director of KEL Chemicals Limited be invited as witness, the Committee voted not to invite them.

The Committee will now write a report which will be tabled and considered by the National Assembly on Monday,13^th May 2024 at a special sitting.