Junet Warns Agriculture CS Nominee: “You’ll Be Jobless After One Year”
Suna East Mp Junet Mohamed
Introduction
Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed issued a stark warning to Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary nominee Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja. Mohamed cautioned Karanja about the pervasive “cartels” within the ministry, predicting Karanja might find himself jobless within a year if he fails to address them.
Cartels in the Ministry
Mohamed, a member of Parliament’s Committee on Appointments, highlighted the presence of malicious actors in the Agriculture Ministry. These shadowy figures have influenced deals for years, disadvantaging Kenyan farmers. According to Mohamed, these “cartels” manipulate the system, leading to the downfall of Agriculture ministers.
Historical Examples
The MP cited past instances where officeholders faced dismissal due to scandals orchestrated by these faceless actors. For example, the former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi was part of a disbanded Cabinet, and despite some colleagues being reinstated, Linturi did not return. Mohamed warned Karanja to be vigilant and tackle these cartels effectively.
Proving Competence
Mohamed stressed the importance of Karanja proving his ability to handle the corruption and cartels within the ministry. He emphasized that having a PhD does not equate to dealing with corruption. Mohamed urged Karanja to illustrate how he plans to address the corrupt individuals in the ministry.
Mohamed’s Dire Prediction
“I want this nominee to prove to this committee how he’s going to deal with these cartels and this corruption in Agriculture,” Mohamed said. “If you can prove that for me, I’ll be satisfied, because I know after one year you’ll be walking jobless in the streets, I can assure you.”
Karanja’s Assurance
Dr. Karanja, in response, sought to reassure both the lawmaker and the Kenyan public. He promised to prioritize dismantling the cartels if approved for the position. He emphasized his lifelong commitment to integrity and his determination to protect the interests of the country’s farmers.
Karanja’s Commitment
“I know dealing with cartels is a big issue,” Karanja admitted. “But if I’m approved by this House and this committee, I’m giving a notice on cartels. Notice that they will be out of business.” He further assured that his principles of integrity and dedication to the country’s and farmers’ interests would guide his actions.
Strategic Plans
Karanja outlined his strategy to combat the cartels. He emphasized putting robust systems and governance structures in place. Karanja committed to involving all relevant government agencies to tackle the issue comprehensively. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Kenyan government and its agencies to support this fight.
The vetting process continues, with Karanja aiming to prove his competence and integrity. Mohamed’s warning underscores the challenges ahead, but Karanja remains resolute in his mission to cleanse the Agriculture Ministry of corruption. The future of Kenya’s agricultural sector hinges on this critical appointment. For more updates on this developing story, visit The Standard.
