By KPC Reporter
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka has been suspended from chairing the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education following serious allegations that he solicited bribes from witnesses appearing before the committee.
The decision, announced in a formal communication to the National Assembly, paves the way for an inquiry by the Powers and Privileges Committee, which has been given 45 days to investigate the claims and report back to the House.
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The suspension follows multiple complaints, including a formal protest by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which accused the legislator of “open hostility, harassment, and demeaning treatment” of its officials during committee proceedings.
The commission further alleged that Wamboka demanded inducements as a precondition for granting an audience or favourable consideration.
In a detailed ruling on Wednesday afternoon, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss emphasized the gravity of the allegations, describing them as a direct threat to public trust in Parliament and its oversight mandate.
“Allegations made against the chairperson of a committee of this House pose a grave threat to the public trust bestowed upon this House and its members,” she said, adding that such claims must be addressed “with urgency and transparency while observing the dictates of the Constitution on fair hearing and due process.”
Boss rejected calls from some MPs to dismiss or redirect the complaint to external agencies, insisting that Parliament has a constitutional obligation to first handle issues affecting its own integrity.
“It is incumbent upon the House to treat any question affecting its privilege with the utmost urgency… A complaint of this nature cannot be dismissed summarily,” she ruled.
She further warned that even the perception of impropriety could undermine the work of the powerful watchdog committee, whose mandate includes scrutinising audit reports within strict constitutional timelines.
“Prudence dictates that the discharge of this critical mandate should not be clouded by even a hint of impropriety,” she said.
Leaders from both sides of the aisle weighed in on the matter, largely supporting the decision to refer the case to the Powers and Privileges Committee while stressing the need for fairness.
The Leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichung’wah, backed the Speaker’s directive as “Solomonic,” noting that it strikes a balance between accountability and due process.
“It is paramount that we protect the dignity of the House and its committees by first acting here internally,” said Ichung’wah.
“At the same time, it is only fair that the chairperson gets an opportunity to be heard… so that we do not condemn all members of the committee over allegations that target an individual.”
Ichung’wah, who is also the Kikuyu legislator, cautioned against generalising the accusations to the entire committee, emphasizing that “the allegations are not against the whole committee, but against one member.”
On his part, the Leader of the Minority Party, Junet Mohamed, defended Wamboka, expressing confidence that the legislator would receive a fair hearing and ultimately clear his name.
“I hope he will get fair treatment… and in the end he will be vindicated, God willing,” Junet said, describing Wamboka as “a law-abiding Member of Parliament” who has diligently chaired the committee.
Wamboka has strongly 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.
The legislator also questioned the timing of the complaint, suggesting it was revived long after being initially lodged, which, in his view, points to ulterior motives.
For now, Kasipul MP Boyd Were, the vice-chairperson of the committee, will oversee proceedings in an acting capacity.
The Speaker directed the Minority leadership to nominate an interim chairperson by noon on April 23, 2026.
Should the Minority side fail to do so, the committee will be allowed to elect one from among its members.
The Powers and Privileges Committee, chaired for this inquiry by Ainabkoi MP Hon. Samuel Chepkonga, has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe, including examining whether any other members were involved or whether the allegations are limited to the chairperson.
Boss reminded MPs that past bribery allegations against parliamentary committees, notably during the 11th Parliament, led to drastic action, including the disbandment of an entire committee.
“The inquiry and its outcome shall be a clarion call… to re-evaluate how we conduct our oversight role and hold leadership to account,” she said.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to have far-reaching implications for parliamentary oversight, integrity standards, and public confidence in legislative institutions.
