By Faith Anene, Nairobi
Luanda MP Dick Maungu has been appointed as the interim chairperson of the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education, following the suspension of its substantive chair and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka over bribery allegations.
The appointment of Maungu, was announced in the House on Thursday by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who said the move takes immediate effect.
“This interim arrangement will safeguard the uninterrupted work of this critical watchdog committee,” the Speaker said, underscoring the importance of PIC in scrutinising public expenditure and ensuring accountability in government institutions.
Mr Wetang’ula told lawmakers he had received a formal letter from the Leader of the Minority Party nominating Mr Maungu to take over the role on an interim basis. The position will be held for the duration of an ongoing inquiry by the Powers and Privileges Committee, or until Parliament resolves otherwise.
“This interim arrangement will safeguard the uninterrupted work of this critical watchdog committee,” the Speaker said, underscoring the importance of PIC in scrutinising public expenditure and ensuring accountability in government institutions.
He added that Mr Maungu would assume all the powers and responsibilities of a substantive chairperson, and is expected to guide the committee’s work efficiently and impartially, while upholding the dignity and integrity of the House.
The decision follows the suspension of Mr Wamboka, the Bumula MP, who had been chairing the committee. The suspension comes amid serious allegations of misconduct, including claims that bribes were solicited from witnesses appearing before the committee.
Concerns about the committee’s conduct were formally raised by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which accused its leadership of hostility, harassment and demeaning treatment of its officers during parliamentary proceedings.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker, the commission further alleged that access to the committee and favourable consideration of matters under review were, in some instances, contingent on the payment of bribes.
Presenting the matter to the House, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss said the suspension of Mr Wamboka was necessary to preserve public confidence in parliamentary oversight.
“In order to safeguard public trust in the work of the Public Investments Committee during the pendency of the inquiry, I am persuaded to suspend Hon. Jack Wanami Wamboka,” she said.
She added that the unfolding situation should prompt broader reflection within Parliament on how committees handle matters brought before them, describing the complaints as a “clarion call” to improve conduct and accountability.
The PIC is one of Parliament’s key watchdog committees and is traditionally chaired by a member of the Minority Party. With the committee’s vice-chair only recently sworn in as an MP, the Minority leadership had been directed to nominate an interim replacement by Thursday midday.
The allegations against Mr Wamboka have now been referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee, which has been tasked with investigating the claims and reporting back to the House within 45 days.
Speaker Wetang’ula emphasised that the interim appointment should not be seen as prejudging the outcome of the inquiry, but rather as a necessary step to ensure that the committee continues to function without disruption at a time when its oversight role remains critical.
