Franklin Mithika Linturi, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, appeared before the Select Committee on the Proposed Dismissal of himself on Thursday May 9.
During the session, Linturi denied allegations of gross misconduct and violation of the Constitution concerning the approval of fake fertilizer by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
CS Linturi, facing dismissal, distanced himself from the procurement process.How Linturi’s impeachment hearing went down “A cabinet secretary is not directly involved in procurement,” he stated, arguing that the NCPB Managing Director oversaw the subsidized fertilizer procurement.
While defending himself against the allegations made in the special motion, the CS did acknowledge taking steps to address the situation after the fake fertilizer was discovered. “I held meetings and spoke with the PS and directed the Ministry to stop the distribution of fertilizer and ordered samples to be taken to KEPHIS for analysis.”
During cross examination on the existence of fake fertilizer CS Linturi admitted, “KEPHIS scientists have found that the fertilizer has deficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients,” he said.
However, under questioning from the Select Committee, lawmakers noted inconsistencies. While admitting the fertilizer subsidy programme fell under his purview, CS Linturi also mentioned the role of the National Cereals Produce Board as the entity charged with procuring the fertilizer.
The mover of the motion, Jack Wamboka (Bumula) through his counsel John Khaminwa pressed CS Linturi on the lack of oversight and the financial implications. “A colossal amount of money was spent with little to show”, stated Khaminwa
MP T J Kajwang (Ruaraka) highlighted relevant legislation, including the Fertilizer and Animal Foodstuffs Act 2015, which established a fertilizer board tasked with overseeing fertilizer quality in the country. “The implementation of this Act is a work in progress,” CS Linturi responded.
On his part, Committee Vice Chair, MP Robert Mbui (Kathiani) raised concerns with the KSh12 billion budget allocated to the ministry in the last financial year and value for money for taxpayers.
Members of the Select Committee also cited the National Cereal and Produce Board Act whose mandate does not include the procurement, promotion and distribution of fertilizer.
Led by Naomi Waqo(Marsabit County), the 11-member committee will determine whether Agriculture PS Kipronoh Ronoh will appear to offer information on matters raised during the hearings.
