This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
On November 27, 2018, the Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee (CPAIC) report on the Ruaraka land saga was set to be voted on, but a mass walkout by Jubilee senators led by Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot denied the House the much-needed numbers to adopt the report.
According to a Hansard report, only 19 out of the 47 elected senators participated in the vote, with 15 voting in support of the motion to dismiss Dr. Matiang'i and Dr. Kipsang from government, while four voted to reject the report.
Interestingly, Senator Cheruiyot had previously described the report as a "brilliant work on a matter of extreme public interest," but later claimed he was instructed to lobby members to shoot down the report.
"About six months ago, some people brought some issues against CS Matiang'i in the Senate. DP Ruto summoned me to his office and when I went there I found the CS. When we went to the Senate, I led a walkout of Jubilee senators from the chambers and the motion was defeated," he claimed.
The Ruaraka land report was backed mainly by senators allied to the National Super Alliance, who included Issa Juma Boy (Kwale), Charles Ekal Imana (Turkana), Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), and others.
Yesterday, Mr. Kajwang', the CPAIC chairman, said the disclosure had vindicated his committee from claims that it was engaged in a witch-hunt targeting some State officers.
“It is true that some senators were whipped to stay out so as to protect Matiang'i and Kipsang. I feel vindicated by the claims that I did my job and tabled a report in the Senate,” said Kajwang’.
On September 24, 2019, The Standard reported on the Ruaraka land saga, exposing the behind-the-scenes intrigues that led to the rejection of the report.
