The matter will now be debated as soon as it is prioritized by the House Business Committee which usually meets every Tuesday evening.
NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 1 – “Unless I am kidnapped or something of the sort I am here and rearing to go and no amount of enticement or amount of pressure will tilt me,” that is what Matayos MP Geoffrey Odanga told journalists after he formally notified the House of his intention to censure Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi.
The first-time legislator in the National Assembly wants President Uhuru Kenyatta to dismiss Kaimenyi for what he terms as gross misconduct and violation of the Constitution.
“He has refused to guarantee due diligence in the Laptops Programme for Class One pupils and failed to adhere to procurement regulations contrary to Sections 27 of the Public Procurement and Disposal Act 2013,” Odanga charged.
He also faulted the CS for allegedly failing to consult stakeholders on key issues including exam ranking and other matter and the alleged failure to sufficiently promote education which is the core mandate of his ministry.
He claimed that Kaimenyi was running down the Ministry of Education by not listening to other stakeholders when developing policies and is not ready to work with others.
The former teacher said he had nothing against Kaimenyi but rather he was concerned about the welfare of students and by extension the education sector which he complained was decaying under the leadership of the CS.
Prof Kaimenyi faces allegation of allowing schools and other learning institutions to operate without boards of management which has resulted in discrimination against special-needs schools and a delay in the disbursement of free primary and secondary school funds.
“The CS has also treated the National Assembly Committee on Education with contempt by (failing) to honour its summons and implement its decisions and recommendations,” he continued.
But the Education CS on Tuesday dismissed the petition as one lacking merit adding that he will not be intimidated by those dissatisfied with his work, arguing that he has always adhered to the law in his work.
“I have seen it in the media, in fact it is rumours. If you can be removed from office because of allegations which are unsubstantiated, it is for you to judge; you have related with me so only you can judge. You cannot become a thief because Kaimenyi has said so,” he said.
READ: I’m a good guy, Kaimenyi tells MPs
Kaimenyi maintains there is no evidence that he has violated the constitution or misbehaved in exercising his powers; he rather accuses politicians of using malice to soil the names of public officers who have no chance to defend themselves.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi on Wednesday approved a motion setting the stage for the first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary in the Jubilee Coalition administration.
The matter will now be debated as soon as it is prioritized by the House Business Committee which usually meets every Tuesday evening to plan the business of the House will transact for the whole week.
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