Moses Wetang’ula Suspends MP Over Bribery Allegations

Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka has been temporarily removed from his role as chair of the Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education, following mounting accusations of misconduct.

The suspension was announced in the National Assembly on Wednesday, 22 April, after witnesses appearing before the committee lodged complaints of harassment and alleged demands for bribes. Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, presiding over the matter, stated that the decision was necessary to preserve public confidence in parliamentary oversight.

“In order to safeguard public trust in the work of the Public Investments Committee on governance and education during the pendency of the inquiry, I am further persuaded to suspend the honourable Jack Wanami Wamboka from chairing the committee during the period,” she declared.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC had earlier raised concerns in a formal letter to Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, accusing Wamboka of hostility and demeaning treatment of its officers during committee proceedings. The commission further alleged that favourable consideration before the committee was conditioned on the payment of bribes.

In light of the suspension, Shollei directed Minority Leader Junet Mohammed to appoint an interim chairperson by 23 April. The vice chair, Boyd Were of Kasipul, is ineligible to assume the role due to his recent swearing-in, with parliamentary leadership emphasising the need for experienced oversight in such a sensitive position.

The move has drawn support across the political divide. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah described the Speaker’s ruling as a “Solomonic decision,” praising the choice to refer the matter to the internal Powers and Privileges Committee rather than external agencies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

He argued that Parliament should demonstrate its ability to handle disciplinary matters internally, while still ensuring fairness to the accused. Shollei underscored that Wamboka will be given an opportunity to present his defence before the investigating committee, which has been instructed to deliver its findings within 45 days.

The suspension, she explained, is not a final verdict but a precautionary measure to protect the integrity of parliamentary proceedings while investigations are ongoing.