The National Assembly Select Committee on the Proposed Dismissal of the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock, Franklin Mithika Linturi held the pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
The 11-Member Committee, led by Chairperson Naomi Waqo (Marsabit County), met with the concerned parties; the sponsor of the Motion, Jack Wamboka and his legal representatives led by Senior Counsel, Dr. John Khaminwa as well as the CS, Linturi and his team led by Senior Counsel, Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu.
While addressing the Committee, Wamboka said he moved the Motion to safeguard the interest of farmers. “I am here to represent the interests of all farmers in the country and beyond. We will be seeking the indulgence of the Committee to summon the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and Chief Operating Officer of Kenya Bureau of Standards. I am ready and I am committed to seeing this process to its conclusion.”
On his part, CS Linturi requested his advocate, SC Dr. Thiankolu to speak on his behalf. The Senior Counsel informed the Select Committee that they planned to raise issue of admissibility of the Motion.
Hon. Wamboka intends to present eight witnesses who include six farmers and two experts, while CS Linturi’s defense team intends to call one witness, who is Hon. Linturi himself.
In response Chairperson, Naomi Waqo stated, “Regarding the number of witnesses and whether the sponsor can call other witnesses will be decided by this Select Committee and communicated tomorrow.”
During the pre-trial hearing, the concerned parties exchanged documents and established ground rules for the official hearings.
“We have an affidavit of 381 pages and we have audio visual evidence which we shall present during this hearing,” SC Dr. Thiankolu said.
Tomorrow, Hon. Wamboka is expected to present opening statements and witness testimonies. On the other hand, CS Linturi’s legal team will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and Members of the Select Committee will have a chance to intervene and ask questions throughout the proceedings.
Day two will see CS Linturi’s defense. He will present evidence, call witnesses, and offer his closing statement.
A Report on the Select Committee’s findings and recommendations will ultimately be submitted to the National Assembly at a special sitting on Monday, 13th May 2024 from 2.30pm.
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