Fresh questions have emerged in the National Assembly after Bumula MP Jack Wamboka Wanami was suspended from chairing the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education over bribery allegations.
The suspension followed several complaints from witnesses who appeared before the committee, with concerns raised over how some proceedings were being handled.
The complaints are said to have touched on the conduct of the committee’s leadership, prompting intervention from parliamentary authorities.
The matter gained more weight after the National Cohesion and Integration Commission wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly outlining what it described as troubling experiences when its officers appeared before the committee. In the letter, the commission claimed its officials faced hostility, harassment and demeaning treatment during the sessions.
The commission alleged that MP Wamboka demanded bribes before granting audiences or giving favourable consideration to matters brought before the committee. The claims have now triggered a formal parliamentary process.
In announcing the decision, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss said the suspension was necessary to protect confidence in the work of the committee as investigations continue. She told the House the move was meant to safeguard public trust while the inquiry into the complaints is ongoing.
She also said the complaints and the investigations surrounding them should serve as a lesson not only to the committee but to the wider House on how matters brought before Parliament are handled.
Her remarks pointed to concerns about standards of conduct and the treatment of individuals appearing before committees.
The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education is one of Parliament’s oversight bodies and plays a key role in scrutinising the use of public resources in institutions under its mandate.
Because of its importance, the suspension of its chairperson has drawn attention within political and parliamentary circles.
With the committee traditionally chaired by a member of the Minority Party, the Leader of Minority has now been directed to nominate an interim chairperson by midday Thursday to ensure the committee’s work continues without interruption.
This follows concerns that the vice chair, having only recently been sworn in as an MP, may not be in a position to immediately take over the role.
The allegations facing Wamboka have been referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee, which will conduct a formal investigation. The committee has been tasked with reviewing the complaints and presenting its report to the House within 45 days.
The inquiry is expected to determine whether the accusations have merit and whether any disciplinary action should follow. For now, the suspension remains an interim measure pending the outcome of the investigation.
The development adds to growing focus on accountability within parliamentary committees, particularly those tasked with oversight of public institutions.
