Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi found himself overwhelmed with emotions during his testimony before a parliamentary committee, as he defended himself against an impeachment motion.

Struggling to contain his emotions, Linturi asserted that the move to oust him from office stemmed from a personal vendetta arising from his tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife, Marianne Kitany, the current Member of Parliament for Aldai Constituency.

He argued before the committee that the court cases cited in the impeachment motion were orchestrated and fueled by personal animosity.

"These cases all revolve around an individual with whom I had a relationship that unfortunately soured. While the details of our relationship may not be pertinent to these proceedings, it is she who initiated numerous legal battles against me," Linturi stated, his voice wavering with emotion.

Linturi's legal representative, Muthomi Thiankulu, intervened, urging him to draw strength from his Meru heritage and recount the tribulations he faced due to the personal dispute.

Summoning his resolve, Linturi recounted how many of the cases mentioned in the impeachment petition were politically motivated and dismissed by the courts.

"I have endured all sorts of pressure and persecution, including being maligned in the media and falsely accused of serious offenses," Linturi asserted.

He maintained that his adversaries exploited the legal cases during the election period to undermine his candidacy and tarnish his reputation.

Facing removal from office on multiple grounds, including gross misconduct and violation of constitutional and legal provisions, Linturi's emotional testimony sheds light on the personal and political turmoil surrounding his tenure as Agriculture Cabinet Secretary.

The hearing continues as Linturi seeks to clear his name and salvage his career amidst the impeachment proceedings.