Bumula MP Jack Wanami Wamboka…Photo/IP
Bumula MP Jack Wanami Wamboka has been stripped of his plum position as chairperson of a key parliamentary watchdog committee following explosive allegations of bribery and witness harassment.
In a high-stakes afternoon at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss suspended Mr Wamboka from the helm of the Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education.
The move paves the way for a 45-day probe by the Powers and Privileges Committee into claims that the legislator solicited “inducements” from witnesses.
The hammer fell on the vocal MP following a litany of complaints, most notably a scathing formal protest by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The commission accused Mr Wamboka of “open hostility, harassment, and demeaning treatment” of its officials.
Even more damaging were allegations that the MP demanded bribes as a precondition for granting the commission an audience or “favourable consideration” during audit reviews.
While delivering her ruling, Ms Boss emphasized that the integrity of the House was on trial.
”Allegations made against the chairperson of a committee of this House pose a grave threat to the public trust bestowed upon this House and its members,” she said.
Rejecting pleas from some members to toss the matter to external agencies like the EACC, the Deputy Speaker insisted that Parliament must first clean its own house.
”Prudence dictates that the discharge of this critical mandate should not be clouded by even a hint of impropriety,” she added, warning that the perception of corruption could paralyze the watchdog’s ability to scrutinize public expenditure.
The decision sparked a flurry of reactions from the floor, reflecting the high political stakes involved.
Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah described the ruling as “Solomonic,” arguing it was necessary to insulate the rest of the committee members from the conduct of one individual.
”It is paramount that we protect the dignity of the House. At the same time, it is only fair that the chairperson gets an opportunity to be heard so that we do not condemn all members of the committee,” the Kikuyu MP said.
On the flip side, Leader of Minority Junet Mohamed rushed to the defense of his colleague, describing Mr Wamboka as a “law-abiding member” who had served diligently.
”I hope he will get fair treatment… and in the end, he will be vindicated, God willing,” said the Suna East legislator.
A defiant Mr Wamboka has since dismissed the allegations as a “political witch-hunt” aimed at slowing down his committee’s “robust examination” of the NCIC.
He claimed the accusations were a retaliatory move by the commission after he raised uncomfortable questions regarding their recruitment and financial management.
”The timing is suspicious. Why revive a complaint lodged months ago now?” the MP questioned.
The Minority leadership has until noon today (April 23) to nominate an interim chairperson. Should they fail, the committee, currently under Vice-Chairperson Boyd Were (Kasipul) will be forced to elect a leader from within its ranks.
The Powers and Privileges Committee, led for this inquiry by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, will now determine whether Mr Wamboka acted alone or if the rot extends further into the committee.
The House is no stranger to such scandals. Ms Boss reminded members of the infamous 11th Parliament where similar bribery claims led to the total disbandment of an entire committee.
For Mr Wamboka, the next 45 days will determine whether he returns to the powerful seat or becomes another casualty of the House’s perennial battle with its own image.
ENDS.
