Former Agriculture minister William Ruto was on February 4, 2009 put under the spotlight for the alleged involvement in the maize scam.
Then Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale and Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba tabled probable documents that would have led to the uncovering of the prime suspects whom, they said, Ruto knew and were allies.
Dr. Bony Khalwale wanted Ruto, to tell the house why the maize was sold yet there was widespread starvation all over the country.
On his part, Ababu Namwamba wanted Ruto to explain why only the junior officers and not the major personnel in charge of the National Cereals and Produce Board were sacked.
There had been an alleged sale of maize to South Sudan which Ruto had to explain.
To his defense, the Agriculture minister said he had turned down an inquiry over the availability of maize from Africa's youngest nation and also said that he gazetted a law barring the sale of maize whatsoever.
The maize scandal almost impacted negatively on the former Eldoret MP's political career as there were fears he would never be the same again despite having built a reputation of being one of the most vibrant politicians in the country at the time.
Within the first five months of his takeover, the Agriculture ministry was voted the best performing in terms of service delivery as well as functionality.
The Agriculture sector remains the backbone of the country. The economy of the country hinges in its effectiveness.
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