MPs to force CS Anne Waiguru out of office over graft allegations

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party now says it will mobilize Members of Parliament to support the proposed motion of impeachment against embattled Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru.

ODM national Secretary General Ababu Namwamba said his party will support the motion by Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Alfred Keter to kick out Waiguru out of office over graft allegations.

Namwamba, who was speaking during the launch of a tournament at the Budalangi Secondary School grounds, said legislators will have to force the Devolution CS out of office since she has refused to step aside to pave way for investigations over graft allegations leveled against her.

The outspoken legislator said that the CS should respect herself, the people of Kenya and the Constitution by stepping aside to allow the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other state agencies to investigate her and once cleared she can resume duties.

He also faulted President Uhuru Kenyatta for failing to take action against her and warned that they will be forced to kick her out if he does not sack her.

Namwamba, who is also the Budalangi MP, called on the Head of State to either take action or political responsibility over Waiguru’s alleged corrupt dealings.

He further said that the National Assembly will now start the process of removing all corrupt government officials with Waiguru being the first one.

“All Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) MPs will join hands with Keter and other MPs despite the political differences to kick out all corrupt leaders,” said Namwamba.

He accused the Jubilee administration of applying the law selectively by shielding some officials implicated in graft while sacrificing others.

Namwamba’s sentiments come at a time the Devolution Ministry has been on the spotlight over alleged inflation of prices of common items.

On Friday, Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonny Khalwale said Waiguru must come clean and prove her innocence in the wake multi-million graft allegations in her Ministry.

He further said that Ms Waiguru was being shielded by the Office of the President and the (EACC).

Last week, Waiguru’s Ministry was accused of inflating costs of items during the procurement process.

According to the Financial Register for the year 2013 – 2014, which the Ministry later termed as wrong document, the Ministry inflated the cost of basic commodities supplied to it during the same fiscal year.

The Ministry, according to the document procured 18 male and female condom dispensers at a cost of Ksh 450,000, which translates to Ksh 25,000 each.

The document shows that the Ministry bought 20 ball point pens at Ksh 174,000. However, it is not clear on whether the quantity indicated is per packaging box or per pen. If the cost is per pen, it means each piece was bought at Ksh 8,700; if per packaging box, it means each piece (pen) was bought at Ksh 435.