In a dramatic turn of events, Kenyan lawmakers have thrown a lifeline to embattled Agriculture Secretary Mithika Linturi. A committee tasked with investigating allegations of sub-standard fertilizer distribution under a government subsidy program has cleared Linturi of any wrongdoing.
The cloud over Linturi arose from accusations that he had flouted procurement protocols, leading to the distribution of ineffective fertilizer to Kenyan farmers. This sparked outrage last week, with legislators calling for his dismissal.
However, after a thorough investigation, the committee, led by Naomi Waqo, found “no concrete evidence” to support these claims. Waqo, in a televised parliamentary session, emphasized that the allegations against Linturi were “unsubstantiated.”
This decision is likely to bring a sigh of relief to Linturi, who has vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged scheme. It also raises questions about the source of the accusations and the potential for politically motivated attacks.
While the immediate threat to Linturi’s position has receded, the shadow of the fertilizer controversy may linger. Kenyan farmers, grappling with rising input costs and a volatile global food market, will undoubtedly be keen to see a renewed focus on ensuring the integrity of the government’s agricultural subsidy programs.