Bumula MP Jack Wamboka Wanami has been suspended from leading a key parliamentary committee over bribery allegations.

The lawmaker was removed from chairing the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education following complaints raised by witnesses who had appeared before the committee.

The concerns were formally presented by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly.

The commission accused the committee’s leadership of subjecting its officers to hostility, harassment and demeaning treatment during proceedings.

It further alleged that Wamboka demanded bribes in exchange for granting hearings or offering favourable consideration on matters before the committee.

Announcing the decision to the House, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss said the suspension was necessary to protect the integrity of the committee as investigations continue.

“In order to safeguard public trust in the work of the Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education during the pendency of the inquiry, I am persuaded to suspend Hon. Jack Wanami Wamboka from chairing the committee,” she said.

She added: “The complaints received, inquiry and its outcome shall be a clarion call for the commiteee and all of us, to reevaluate and optimise the manner in which we treat matters briought before us for consideration.”

The Public Investments Committee, a key parliamentary watchdog traditionally led by a member of the Minority Party, is set for interim leadership changes. Shollei directed the leader of the Minority Party to nominate an acting chair by Thursday noon.