Kenyan senators are intensifying calls for accountability as Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (Treasury), Alice Wahome (Lands), and Lee Kinyanjui (Trade) repeatedly ignore Senate summons. Their continued absence frustrates lawmakers, who now threaten censure motions to enforce compliance.
Senators accuse the three CSs of undermining parliamentary oversight by skipping key meetings. Treasury CS Mbadi, for instance, missed a Senate Finance and Budget Committee session to attend a political rally in Migori County alongside President William Ruto. Later that evening, he appeared on television, further angering senators who viewed his absence as blatant disregard for legislative authority.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi urged lawmakers to take action. He cited Standing Order 51 (D), which allows the Senate to initiate censure motions against Cabinet Secretaries who fail to appear without valid reasons. “We have talked enough. It’s time to invoke the Standing Order and move an official censure motion,” he declared.
Several senators expressed frustration, arguing that the CSs’ absences block accountability and transparency. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticized Mbadi for prioritizing media appearances over Senate obligations, calling it “disrespectful.” Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua echoed this concern, stating that Mbadi, a former MP, should treat the Senate with more respect.
The defiance by the CSs reflects a broader trend within the Executive. Earlier this month, Mbadi sent a last-minute letter excusing his absence, vaguely citing “other engagements.” Speaker Kingi dismissed the letter as contemptuous, warning that such behavior weakens the Senate’s credibility.
Senators prepare to push for censure motions to compel compliance. If successful, these motions could set a precedent for enforcing government accountability and strengthening legislative oversight. Kenya’s governance structure relies on checks and balances, and senators insist that Cabinet Secretaries must respect their constitutional duty to appear before Parliament.
