Wetang’ula Suspends Bumula MP Jack Wamboka Over Bribery Allegations
Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka has been temporarily removed from his role as chairperson of the Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education.
The decision comes as authorities begin investigations into serious claims that he solicited bribes from individuals appearing before the committee.
The suspension was confirmed in Parliament on Wednesday, April 22, by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, who said the move was necessary to protect public confidence in the work of the committee.
She explained that stepping aside during the investigation period would help maintain trust in parliamentary processes, especially given the weight of the allegations being raised.
According to Shollei, the decision was made after several witnesses who had appeared before the committee lodged complaints. These individuals accused the lawmaker of subjecting them to harassment and intimidation during proceedings.
Some of them went further to claim that they were pressured to offer bribes in order to receive fair or favorable treatment when presenting their cases.
The issue was also raised formally by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which wrote to Speaker Moses Wetang’ula expressing concern over how its officials were treated.
In its letter, the commission described the environment during the committee sessions as hostile and unprofessional, alleging that its officers were demeaned and unfairly handled.
More seriously, the NCIC claimed that Wamboka demanded bribes as a condition for granting them a fair hearing during the proceedings.
As part of the immediate measures taken, Shollei—speaking on behalf of the Speaker—directed Suna East MP and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed to appoint an interim chairperson to lead the committee.
She set a deadline of noon on April 23 for this nomination, emphasizing the need to ensure continuity in the committee’s work.
The directive also took into account the current leadership structure of the committee. The Vice Chairperson, Boyd Were, was recently sworn into office and is therefore considered too new to take over the chairmanship.
Parliamentary practice often favors experienced members for such leadership roles, as they are expected to have a deeper understanding of procedures, oversight responsibilities, and technical matters handled by the committee.
The Speaker’s decision has received support from several lawmakers across the political divide. Among those who backed the move is Kikuyu MP and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who described the action as balanced and fair, likening it to a “Solomonic decision.”
While he suggested that the matter could be referred to external investigative bodies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Shollei clarified that the case would instead be handled internally.
She announced that the matter would be investigated by Parliament’s Powers and Privileges Committee, a body tasked with handling disciplinary issues involving Members of Parliament.
This approach, according to Ichung’wah, allows Parliament to manage its internal affairs independently while still ensuring accountability.
Shollei further emphasized that the suspension should not be seen as a declaration of guilt. Instead, she noted that it is a precautionary measure meant to allow for a fair and transparent investigation.
The process will give Wamboka an opportunity to respond to the allegations and present his side of the story before any conclusions are reached.
To ensure the matter is resolved without unnecessary delays, the Powers and Privileges Committee has been instructed to complete its investigations and submit a report within 45 days.
This timeline is intended to provide clarity on the allegations while maintaining the integrity and credibility of parliamentary oversight functions.
Overall, the suspension marks a significant step by Parliament in addressing concerns about accountability and ethical conduct among its members, while also reinforcing the importance of due process and fairness in handling such sensitive matters.
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