NAIROBI, Kenya- In a growing dispute over accountability, Kenyan Senators are now threatening to impose censure motions against Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano for failing to appear before the Senate on Wednesday.
Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi expressed frustration on the Senate floor, noting that both secretaries had requested last-minute postponements, leaving legislators dissatisfied.
Deputy Speaker Murungi lamented that the explanations provided for the missed appearances were inadequate, hinting at a trend of dismissive behavior by Cabinet Secretaries towards Senate invitations.
“It is very regrettable because we sacrifice a lot to come to this chamber,” Murungi said, emphasizing that neither request to reschedule was justified.
According to Murungi, CS Barasa cited health issues, while CS Miano had been pre-approved to attend to wildlife matters, a decision the Senate Business Committee had rejected earlier.
Senators voiced concerns over the absence of the two top officials, with several pointing to a broader pattern.
Mandera Senator Mohammed Chute argued that the persistent refusal by Cabinet Secretaries to address the Senate reflects a concerning attitude.
“Now it has become a trend for CSs not to appear before this House,” Chute remarked, highlighting that the Health CS’s same-day notice was a sign of indifference.
Citing repeated instances where Cabinet Secretaries have failed to honor Senate invitations, Kitui Senator Enock Wambua urged action, noting that the absences have disrupted Senate proceedings multiple times.
“We went on a break, we have come back, and the first Wednesday after the break, the Cabinet Secretaries don’t show up,” Wambua observed, underscoring that similar incidents had delayed the House’s business on prior Wednesdays.
His comments echo those of other Senators who argue that censure motions may be the only way to enforce accountability.
Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei echoed this sentiment, labeling the reasons provided as “flimsy” and “disrespectful” to the House.
“For the honorable CSs not to appear this morning…is an utter disrespect of the House,” he said, emphasizing that elected officials rely on such sessions to address nationwide concerns.
Senators further criticized specific reasons for the absences, questioning priorities within the ministries.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang pointed out that with ongoing challenges in Kenya’s healthcare system, CS Barasa’s appearance was crucial.
“It was not Parliament that initiated this particular issue, it was themselves,” Kisang noted, adding that Kenyans are struggling to access healthcare amid unimplemented Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) reforms.
In a final statement, Kisang suggested that the Tourism CS’s decision to attend a rhino-tagging event in place of meeting with Senate shows misplaced priorities.
“You can imagine CS Miano deciding to go and witness putting devices in rhinos,” he said, suggesting that other officials could have attended the event on her behalf.
As Senators consider censure motions, this confrontation underscores the ongoing tension between Kenya’s executive and legislative branches.
Senators argue that they’re simply asking for respect, transparency, and a sense of responsibility from public officials entrusted with critical portfolios.
Whether the censure moves forward or the Cabinet responds, the Senate’s demands for accountability are likely to set a precedent for how government officials engage with lawmakers in the future.
