NAIROBI, Kenya – Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome is facing increasing criticism from senators after missing seven scheduled appearances before the Senate Lands Committee, prompting calls for her to appear in person between May 12 and May 15, 2025, to address her repeated absences.
The committee, led by Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, had summoned Wahome to respond to critical petitions on longstanding land disputes, environmental concerns, and the forced eviction of squatters across Kenya.
Despite multiple requests, Wahome has failed to honor the summons, causing growing frustration among committee members.
Wahome’s most recent excuse for missing a session was her attendance at the World Bank Land Conference in Washington, DC, which she communicated to the committee in a letter dated May 2, 2025.
While Faki accepted this explanation, he expressed dissatisfaction with Wahome’s overall lack of responsiveness to previous summonses.
“Her failure to show up has delayed our work and is exacerbating the suffering of many Kenyans,” Faki said, urging Wahome to address the committee’s concerns over her perceived contempt for the process.
The committee had sent multiple requests to Wahome’s office, which went unanswered, prompting the formal summons.
Senator James Murango defended the committee’s actions, emphasizing that this was the first time the current members had summoned the CS.
He stressed that they were seeking clear answers for the benefit of ordinary Kenyans, particularly those affected by unresolved land issues.
The committee has been actively investigating various land-related challenges across the country, including disputes in Kisii, environmental damage in Homa Bay, and concerns about substandard public projects.
Senator Faki highlighted the urgency of Wahome’s appearance to resolve these pressing matters and restore public trust in the management of land resources.
Wahome’s attendance at the upcoming session will be crucial in addressing these unresolved issues and restoring confidence in the government’s commitment to resolving land disputes and ensuring environmental protection.
