Agriculture CS Nominee Finally Responds To Linturi PA Claims
Dr. Andrew Muhia Karanja, who has been nominated for the position of Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, has categorically denied being former Agriculture Minister Mithika Linturi’s personal assistant.
During his appearance before the Parliamentary Vetting Committee on Friday, August 2, Karanja expressed surprise at the allegations, claiming that they are completely false.
The controversy surrounding Karanja erupted with allegations that he served as Linturi’s personal assistant during Linturi’s turbulent tenure, which was marred by allegations of fraudulent fertilizer distribution.
Karanja, on the other hand, refused to back down, claiming no affiliation with Linturi.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Andrew Karanja has cleared the air about the perceived relations with former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi.
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) August 2, 2024
Karanja said he has never been a personal assistant to Linturi as has been claimed.
Karanja was the first to be vetted by the… pic.twitter.com/HgaR8UW8Ld
“This allegation caught me off guard and surprised me, Mr. Speaker Sir and Honourable Members. I have never met the former Honourable Minister for Agriculture, nor have I ever been his personal assistant,” Karanja stated emphatically.
As the vetting process continues, Karanja’s denial adds to the intrigue surrounding Cabinet nominees.
The committee’s investigation into Karanja is intensifying, with public interest piqued by the nominee’s long career in public service.
Karanja, whose nomination for the Cabinet Secretary position was widely anticipated, is known for his extensive experience spanning three decades.
His professional highlights include positions as Lead Economist at the State Department of Livestock, Senior Agricultural Economist at the World Bank, and Research Fellow at the Tegemeo Institute.
His specialties include development economics, rural development, and agricultural finance, among others.
Public speculation about Karanja’s nomination increased after it was revealed that another nominee, Eric Muriithi Muuga, is from the same region as Linturi.
Muuga, who was nominated for Cabinet Secretary in Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, is from Athi Market in Igembe South, just a few kilometres from Linturi’s home.
Muuga’s nomination has elicited positive responses from his community.
As a civil engineer, he has been praised for his humility and diligence, which contrasts sharply with the contentious atmosphere surrounding Karanja’s appointment.
The political landscape remains charged as Karanja and Muuga complete their respective vetting processes.
While Karanja is under scrutiny for unfounded allegations, Muuga’s nomination is being closely watched as part of President William Ruto’s larger Cabinet reshuffle strategy.
Agriculture CS Nominee Finally Responds To Linturi PA Claims
