Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and Aldai MP Maryanne Kitany's former relationship became the focal point of discussion at a parliamentary committee hearing on Thursday.
Members of the Select Committee on the Proposed Dismissal of Linturi strongly disagreed on whether they needed to delve into the details of the past relationship between the two.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo urged the committee to summon Kitany to present her side of the story before the members.
“While we are hearing from the CS’s perspective, the person being mentioned is not present to defend herself, which makes it challenging for us to proceed. We cannot base our judgment on one side of the story when the other party is absent. Let the MP come forward to clarify,” Omanyo asserted.
Committee chair Naomi Waqo stated that she would decide later whether to invite Kitany to appear.
“Omanyo has requested that we invite Kitany. We will address this matter at a later stage,” Waqo mentioned.
Waqo emphasized that the committee did not prevent the initiator of the motion, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, from presenting his argument.
“I understand that discussing personal matters is sensitive, but we find ourselves in this situation due to the motion. Since the motion was not withdrawn, we must address it. The CS is free to respond,” Waqo elaborated.
She further noted that the public had already heard from Wamboka on Wednesday and should now listen to Linturi’s perspective.
Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara expressed regret that the committee was compelled to address issues raised by the mover of the impeachment motion.
“The legal matters were introduced by the initiator of the motion, so the CS must provide a response,” he stated.
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza observed that since the mover of the motion presented his argument, the CS should also counter the allegations.
“I fail to see any issue unless they are discussing matters beyond the affidavits,” he commented.
During his presentation on Wednesday, Wamboka advised Linturi to refrain from involving Aldai MP in the impeachment saga.
Wamboka criticized Linturi, suggesting that his responses resembled those of a scorned lover in a love letter.
"Let go if you are rejected," he quipped.
Wamboka remarked that it was inappropriate for Linturi to continuously drag her into every issue when she has her own family.
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