Embattled Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Agriculture Mithika Linturi has noted that he will continue to diligently serve Kenyans under his assigned docket despite a case seeking to impeach him.

He is facing removal from office on grounds of gross violation of the Constitution or any other law, serious reasons to believe the CS has committed a crime under national law, as well as gross misconduct.

Speaking during the commencement of the hearing on Wednesday in Parliament, Linturi noted that the case is just a stumbling block that he seeks to overcome, asking the 11-member committee to be just while making their final decision.

“I feel for the farmers who interacted with the bags of fertiliser in question… we have taken corrective measures and those who we believe are culpable have taken plea," he said.

“I will soldier on, this is what I would call an occupational hazard that comes with the job I am doing. Remember, members, I sat on your side for 15 years and you will also be crossed to this side. As you decide on this matter, do justice."

Linturi's lawyer Muthomi Thiankulu argued that his client is being vilified for personal matters that do not relate to his office mandates.

He added that Linturi is a victim of a political witchhunt, noting that his rivals were vexed since he supported President William Ruto during the August 2022 General Election and they are out to hunt him down.

"Unfortunately the evidence given is evidence that arises from personal cases about love and affection. It is a matter we must confront even though it is sad that a committee like this would have its time being spent on such a matter," he said.

"I represent a man who has been presented as an incorrigible, womaniser, criminal, fraudster, thug. I represent a man who, for the lack of a better word, is the dog that has been given a bad name."

He therefore noted that the case made against the CS does not hold water to warrant an impeachment arguing that he (Linturi) has still proven to be competent despite an ill reputation.

"We don't dismiss people from state office because they have a bad reputation especially when it is an artificial creation of a previous administration that was only doing this to punish Linturi for supporting the candidature for the honourable William Ruto," said Thiankulu.

The 11-member committee shall, within ten days, report to the House whether it finds the allegations against the Cabinet Secretary to be substantiated.