Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka Wanami has been suspended from chairing the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education following serious bribery allegations.
Suspension Over Conduct Concerns
The suspension was announced by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss after multiple complaints were raised by witnesses who had appeared before the committee.
“In order to safeguard public trust… I am persuaded to suspend Hon. Jack Wanami Wamboka from chairing the committee,” she told the House.
NCIC Raises Alarm
In a letter to the Speaker, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) cited what it described as hostility, harassment, and demeaning treatment of its officers during committee sessions.
The commission further alleged that the MP demanded bribes as a condition for granting audiences or offering favourable consideration in committee proceedings.
Probe Referred to Powers and Privileges Committee
The allegations have now been referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee for investigation.
The committee is expected to review the complaints and present its findings to Parliament within 45 days.
Interim Leadership Arrangements
Given that the PIC is a key oversight committee typically chaired by a member of the Minority Party, the Leader of Minority has been directed to nominate an interim chair.
This follows concerns that the current vice chair was only recently sworn in as an MP.
Call for Accountability
Deputy Speaker Boss noted that the inquiry should serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers on how they handle matters brought before parliamentary committees.
“The complaints received… shall be a clarion call for the committee and all of us to reevaluate how we treat matters brought before us,” she said.
Public Trust at Stake
The development raises broader concerns about accountability and integrity within parliamentary oversight committees, which play a critical role in safeguarding public resources and ensuring transparency in government operations.
