1. The Allegations: “Rent-Seeking” in the Committee
The suspension follows a formal complaint lodged by a whistleblower and corroborated by members within the committee who accused Wamboka of professional misconduct.
The “Pay-to-Play” Claims: It is alleged that Wamboka solicited financial “inducements” from CEOs of various state corporations currently being audited by the committee.
The Secret Meeting: Reports suggest that a clandestine meeting took place in a Nairobi hotel where a specific “facilitation fee” was discussed to ensure a “favorable” recommendation in an upcoming report regarding a Sh15 billion procurement scandal.
The Whistleblower: A prominent CEO of a major energy parastatal reportedly approached the Speaker’s office with audio recordings of the alleged solicitation, prompting immediate action.
2. The Suspension Order
Acting on the gravity of the claims, the National Assembly leadership moved to protect the integrity of the House’s investigative arm.
The Directive: Speaker Moses Wetangula directed that Wamboka step aside for a period of 60 days to allow for a full investigation by the Powers and Privileges Committee.
Internal Strife: Within the PIC, members have reportedly been divided, with some claiming that the allegations are “politically motivated” to derail investigations into influential figures, while others insist that “the rot had become unbearable.”
Interim Leadership: In the interim, the Vice-Chairperson is expected to steer the committee’s activities to ensure that ongoing probes into the Galana Kulalu project and the KEMSA debt recovery do not stall.
3. Wamboka’s Defense: “A Political Witch-Hunt”
Speaking shortly after the news of his suspension broke, the Bumula MP maintained his innocence and characterized the move as a strategic strike by his political enemies.
The Frame-Up Theory: Wamboka argues that those he is investigating have used their deep pockets to manufacture evidence against him.
The Quote: “I am being targeted because I refused to be compromised by the very cartels I am exposing. This suspension is a badge of honor for anyone fighting the real corruption in this country,” Wamboka stated to reporters at Parliament Buildings.
