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Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has told off his Githunguri counterpart Gathoni Wamuchomba over claims that she was never consulted in the selection of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Mwihia Karanja.

Wamuchoma had on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, dismissed National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah’s claims that all lawmakers from Kiambu had been consulted before a decision to land on Karanja was made.

Kaluma on Wamuchomba’s remarks

However, Kaluma in a statement shared via his official X account in response to Wamuchomba’s claims has urged the Githunguri lawmaker to respect Ichung’wah.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker further argued that the agriculture docket goes beyond some individuals.

“Agriculture goes beyond these few crops, my friend. Respect majority leader and accept the appointment of this competent man as CS for Agriculture, or we give it to other Kenyans,” MP Kaluma stated.

Agriculture goes beyond these few crops my friend.
Respect Majority Leader and accept the appointment of this competent man as CS for Agriculture, or we give it to other Kenyans. https://t.co/9MPIfVHAQS

— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (@gpdkaluma) September 4, 2024

Ichung’wah’s remarks

Ichung’wah had earlier stated that President Ruto asked all Kiambu legislators to front a preferred Agriculture CS.

Ichung’wah was recorded saying that all Kiambu lawmakers were involved in appointing CS Mwihia, who replaced Mithika Linturi who was among the former CS who were not retained in the formation of the broad-based government.

Wamuchomba’s rant

Wamuchomba issued a statement on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, and denied the claims, insisting that she was not part of the team asked to give their input on the selection of the current Agriculture CS.

“The allegations by Majority Leader Ichung’wah that he involved All Mps from Kiambu in selecting the new CS for agriculture to be appointed by the president is not factual,” Wamuchomba’s statement read in part.

Even with this, the Githunguri MP indicated that she is only concerned about what the Agriculture CS will deliver and achieve in his docket including sorting out issues regarding the prices of milk and coffee.

“I was not involved or consulted. I’m not interested either. All I care about is if the one appointed will provide a better return on coffee, milk, and tea and improve the yields,” she emphasised.

The allegations by ML Hon Ichung’wa that he involved All Mps from Kiambu in selecting the new CS for agriculture to be appointed by the President is NOT factual.
I was NOT involved or consulted . I’m not interested either, ALL i care is if the one appointed will provide a better…

— Hon.Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP (@hon_wamuchomba) September 4, 2024

Earlier, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa also denied being consulted in picking CS Mwihia.

“As an MP representing Kiambu County as their senator, I want to clarify that I was not consulted in the selection of the new Cabinet Secretary from our county, nor was I invited to participate in that process.

“It is misleading for the Kikuyu MP to suggest that all Kiambu MPs were involved. If I had been consulted, I would not have proposed the current CS for Agriculture, as I am not familiar with him. (this is not to mean he won’t/can’t perform or either they made right or wrong choice),” the senator’s statement read in part.