The past relationship between Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and Aldai MP Maryanne Kitany became a focal point during a parliamentary committee hearing on Thursday.
Members of the Select Committee on the Proposed Dismissal of Linturi had differing opinions on whether details about the past relationship between the two should be considered.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo requested the committee to invite Kitany to present her side of the story.
“Although we are listening to the CS’s side, the person being mentioned is not here to defend herself and that is why we are finding it difficult to proceed. We cannot listen to one side of the spectrum when the other side is absent. Let the MP come to defend herself,” Omanyo said.
Committee chair Naomi Waqo stated that she would decide whether to invite Kitany at a later stage.
“Omanyo has requested that we invite Kitany. We will deal with the issue at another level later on,” Waqo said.
Waqo noted that the committee did not prevent the mover of the motion, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, from presenting his case.
“I know discussing personal matters is not easy, but we have been put in this situation by the mover. Now that they did not withdraw, we have to address it. The CS is free to respond,” Waqo added.
She further stated that since the public had already heard Wamboka’s side on Wednesday, they should now hear Linturi’s response.
Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara expressed his disappointment that the committee was forced to deal with issues introduced by the mover of the impeachment motion.
“The court cases were introduced by the mover of the motion so the CS has to respond,” he said.
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza noted that since the mover of the motion presented his case, Linturi must also respond to the allegations.
“I do not see anything wrong unless they are discussing matters beyond the affidavits,” he said.
During his submissions on Wednesday, Wamboka urged Linturi to refrain from involving Aldai MP in the impeachment saga.
Wamboka criticized Linturi for repeatedly dragging the MP into every matter, despite her having her own family.
“I have looked at the responses by the CS and it is nothing short of a love letter by a jilted lover,” he said.
“Ukiachwa achika,” he remarked.
Wamboka emphasized that it was inappropriate for Linturi to keep involving Kitany in every issue.
