MP Wamboka suspended as PIC chair pending probe into misconduct claims

Bumula MP Jack Wamboka has been suspended from chairing proceedings of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, pending investigations into allegations of misconduct raised by witnesses who appeared before the committee.

The suspension was communicated to the House following multiple complaints lodged with the Office of the Speaker, prompting a formal inquiry by the Powers and Privileges Committee.

In a communication delivered to the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss directed that Wamboka step aside as chairperson while investigations are ongoing.

The move follows a formal complaint by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which claimed that the legislator was subjecting its officials to hostile and demeaning treatment during committee sessions.

In a letter to the Speaker, NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia alleged that Wamboka harassed and intimidated officers who had appeared before the committee to respond to queries arising from Auditor General reports for the 2021/2022 and 2023/2024 financial years.

Kobia termed the conduct an abuse of office and a violation of constitutional principles, including those outlined in Chapter Six on leadership and integrity.

Following the directive, the Leader of the Minority Junet Mohammed has been tasked with nominating an interim chairperson by noon on April 23, 2026.

This is due to the fact that the committee’s vice chairperson is a newly sworn-in member and may not be in a position to immediately take over.

The Powers and Privileges Committee is expected to investigate the matter and table its report within 45 days.

Boss, while issuing the ruling, emphasised the need for Parliament to treat allegations touching on its integrity with urgency.

“It is incumbent upon the House to treat any question affecting its privilege with utmost urgency, regardless of the origin or perceived motive,” Boss said.

She noted that in an earlier session, Wamboka had dismissed the allegations as unfounded, suggesting they could be linked to the committee’s rigorous scrutiny of NCIC’s financial records.

Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah supported the Speaker’s decision, describing it as balanced and necessary to protect the integrity of Parliament.

“I think your decision to refer the matter to the Powers and Privileges Committee is the best, so that we deal with our own matter internally and give Wamboka a fair opportunity to be heard,” Ichung’wah said.

“It is paramount that we protect the dignity of the House and its committees,” he added.

As the probe begins, all eyes will be on the Powers and Privileges Committee to determine the veracity of the claims and recommend appropriate action.