Wamboka replaced as MPs give bribery probe more time.

Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wanami Wamboka.[File,Standard] Luanda MP Dick Maungu was yesterday appointed as the interim chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education following the suspension of Jack Wamboka on bribery allegations. Speaker Moses Wetang'ula announced that Maungu would serve for the duration of the inquiry by the Powers and Privileges committee or until the House resolves the matter. The National Assembly also increased the duration of the probe by two weeks, from May 20. While moving the procedural Motion to extend the duration of the inquiry, Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wah noted that the change was aimed at ensuring a fair hearing to all parties involved. On Wednesday, Parliament found itself in the eye of a storm following an allegation of bribery from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). The outgoing chairperson of NCIC, Samuel Kobia, raised allegations regarding the conduct of Wamboka. In a letter to the Speaker, Kobia stated that, in addition to the alleged open hostility, harassment, and demeaning treatment of NCIC officials, the committee chairperson demanded inducements as a precondition to grant audience or favourable consideration during proceedings. Kobia asked the Speaker to initiate investigations into the allegations, which, if proven, constitute abuse of office and a violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution and the statutory provisions on Leadership and Integrity. But Wamboka denied the allegations, terming them unfounded and politically motivated. He argued that the complaints may be linked to the committee's "robust examination" of the NCIC's operations, including questions over recruitment and financial management. He also questioned the timing of the complaint, saying it was revived long after being initially lodged, which in his view pointed to ulterior motives. The complaint came against the backdrop of a parliamentary committee summoning former NCIC commissioners and the ex-chief executive officer over audit queries, including alleged abuse of office, financial mismanagement, and breaches of procurement and human resource laws. The summonses were issued by the National Assembly's Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Education and Governance, which is probing several issues raised by the Auditor-General in reports covering Financial Years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025. Among those required to appear before the committee are former chairperson Samuel Kobia and Vice Chairperson Wambui Nyutu, her successor Dorcas Kedogo, and commissioners Phillip Okundi, Danvas Makori, and Abdulaziz Ali Farah. Others who will be required to appear are former CEO Skitter Wangeci Mbugua, whose tenure was marred by controversy, including her suspension over allegations of altering her appointment letter to extend her term. The committee is investigating a raft of financial and administrative concerns, among them a disputed Sh2.7 million taskforce allowance, over-expenditure exceeding Sh132 million, unauthorised bank overdrafts, and irregular staff recruitment.

Wamboka replaced as MPs give bribery probe more time.

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