A debate in Parliament on Wednesday degenerated into a fierce war of words after a member led a motion seeking to bar Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero from holding any public office, over financial impropriety at Mumias Sugar Company.
The motion's mover, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, brewed trouble when he sought Parliament support for amendments he made on the Agriculture Committee's report, concerning the dealings that led to the financial crisis at the Kakamega based Sugar Company.
A section of MPs accused the lawmaker of trying to perpetuate a political score with the Nairobi Governor, who was not found culpable of the company's cash crunch in the report.
Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo, dismissed the ammendments saying the Washiali had interests in Mumias through a company registered under Washiali's personal assistant (PA).
"I want to prove that his motives, even as he pretends to fight for the sugarcane farmers, are not innocent. His PA is willing to swear an affidavit to show that the company is actually owned by Washiali," the Gem MP told the Assembly.
Washiali, however, refuted the claims and dared the House to substantiate allegations that he had interests in the cash-strapped sugar miller.
"It is not difficult for this House to establish if I own the company, but the truth is that I do not own it and do not even know it," replied the MP.
"This scheme was hatched to give someone money. Mr Speaker, this person is none other than Dr Evans Kidero. This is the money that has made him what he is today and I want members to help me put this gentleman where he belongs," Washiali added.
On the other hand, Minority Leader Francis Nyenze also dismissed the amendments as a ploy being used by Washiali for his political gains.
"The politics at play is that if the amendment passes then Kidero is held responsible and is not allowed to hold any public office. That way he will be out of the race for the Nairobi gubernatorial position. We should not allow this ploy," expressed Mr Nyenze.
The amendments, which included barring Kidero from holding public office and being surcharged Sh577 Million over sugar exports, was to be seconded by Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando with a backing of the Majority leader in Parliament Aden Duale, but the process was interrupted by persistent chaos in the house.
The matter was then suspended by Speaker Justin Muturi as it culminated into a heated argument involving multiple accusations.
Muturi will on Thursday rule on whether or not the proposed amendment would be admitted to pave way for debate.
Read also: Businessman Takes Kidero To Court Over Mumias Troubles
