House team declines firm’s chief a hearing

By David Ochami

Public Investment Committee (PIC) declined to listen to Tana and Athi River Development Authority (Tarda) Managing Director Francis Agoya.

Yesterday the House team gave Dr Agoya a wide berth due to his controversial appointment early this year.

PIC chairman Mithika Linturi, who is also Igembe South MP, opposed Agoya’s appointment by Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo, claiming he was a suspect in a criminal investigation during an assignment at Kenya High Commission in France.

Last month, Mr Linturi clashed with the minister in Parliament when Mr Gumo said corruption claims against Agoya have not been proved.

And yesterday Agoya came to Parliament to defend Tarda’s audit report, apparently after being summoned, but when he rose to speak Linturi overruled him.

Later, the MP said allowing the MD to testify would amount to legitimising his position before questions on his appointment are solved.