Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Tuesday, 15 October 2024
Senators condemned Governor Guyo of Isiolo for repeatedly refusing Senate summons, arguing his non‑compliance undermines devolution oversight and the Constitution. They urged the Senate to take strong action, including involving the Inspector‑General of Police to enforce attendance, and cited international examples to stress the seriousness of the breach. Senators criticised the Governor of Isiolo for repeatedly ignoring Senate committee summons and called for stronger enforcement, including police intervention and possible arrest. They urged the passage of a bill to increase fines and procedural powers for contempt, and discussed using censure motions to deter non‑compliant governors. The debate highlighted tensions between devolution officials and parliamentary oversight mechanisms. Senators criticised the Isiolo governor for repeatedly failing to appear before oversight committees and for alleged misuse of public funds, urging suspension or impeachment. They also debated the limits of contempt of Parliament, the role of the Inspector‑General of Police, and technical glitches affecting Senate proceedings.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Order, hon. Senators, we do have quorum now. Clerk, you may proceed to call the first Order.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Hon. Senators, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the Speakers Gallery this afternoon, of a visiting delegation from the Parliament of Uganda. The Hon. Members also serve in the Network of African Women Ministers Caucus (NAWM) under the Health and Budget Committee. I request each member of the delegation to stand when called out, so that you may be acknowledged in the Senate tradition-
Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of our colleagues, I welcome the visiting delegation from the Parliament of Uganda, a very friendly neighbour that we have a long-standing, deep relationship with. Not that bias is allowed, but Ugandans and Kenyans have a deep-seated friendship that is tested many times by many things, but has stood the test of time over the years. Therefore, if there was a definition …
[(Applause)]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. Olyootya kale, Olyootya Nyabo, Ssebo. Welcome to Kenya. Kenya is your country and we all enjoy the border. Everything that is in Uganda is in Kenya, except the matoke.
[(An hon. Member spoke off record)]
Yes, we have matoke, but you cannot compare with the one in Uganda. We welcome you to Parliament. The Senate is a House of peace and they always call us the ‘Upper House’. We enjoy the tranquillity. I hope you will enjoy our Session here. We wish you all the best. Kindly send our regards to our colleagues on the other side. Thank you and welcome, once more.
Next Order.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate today, Tuesday, 15th of October, 2024. The Office of the Auditor-General Annual Corporate Report for the
Next Order.
Statement pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , by Sen. Crystal Asige. Please proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. First, I would like to wish you, fellow Senators, as well as the blind and visually impaired community listening in Kenya, a happy International White Cane Safety Day, which is commemorated today. International White Cane Safety Day is celebrated annually on 15th of October, where the White Cane, also known as a guide cane, is recognized as an important mobility tool …
The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, you had a report to lay on the Table. You may proceed to lay the report. Sen. Abass, are you ready to lay the Paper?
I am ready.
Please proceed.
Thank you, Hon. Speaker, Sir. I beg to lay the following Paper on the table of the Senate, today, Tuesday, 15th October, 2024- Report of the Intergovernmental Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Senate Bills No12 of 2024.
[(Sen. Abass laid the document on the Table)]
Next Order, Clerk.
This Order is deferred.
Senate Majority Leader, kindly approach the Chair. Next Order.
[(Sen. Cheruiyot approached the Chair)]
Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Division Bell for five minutes. Serjeant-at-Arms, you may now proceed to close the doors and draw the Bar. Hon. Senators, we will start with Order No.9. It has already been called out by the Clerk. Therefore---
[(The Division Bell was rung)]
[(The doors were closed and the Bar drawn)]
[(Loud consultations)]
Order, hon. Senators. I will proceed to put the question, which is that The Political Parties (Amendment) (No.2) Bill (Senate Bills No.26 of 2024) be now read a Second Time. We are going to vote electronically. So, hon. Senators, at this juncture, I will ask you to pull your cards out of the delegates units. Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly collect unattended cards to forestall ghost voting. Hon. Senato…
[(The Senators proceeded to vote)]
Githuku, Lamu County; Sen. Kathuri, Meru County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Kakamega County; Sen. Kinyua, Laikipia Count; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Machakos County; Sen. Lomenen, Turkana County; Sen. M. Kajwang’, Homa Bay County; Sen. Madzayo, Kilifi County; Sen. Mbugua, ; Sen. Mungatana, MGH, Tana River County; Sen. Munyi Mundigi, Embu County; Sen. (Dr.) Murango, Kirinyaga County; Sen. Murgor, West Pokot C…
Hon. Senators, the results of the Division is as follows:
Sen. Faki, Mombasa County; Sen. Githuku, Lamu County; Sen. Kathuri, Meru County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Machakos County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Kakamega County; Sen. Kinyua, Laikipia County; Sen. Lomenen, Turkana County; Sen. M. Kajwang’, Homa Bay County; Sen. Madzayo, Kilifi County; Sen. Methu, Nyandarua County; Sen. Mungatana, Tana River County; Sen. Munyi Mundigi, Embu County; Sen. (Dr.) Murango, …
Hon. senators, the result of the division is as follows.
Hon. Senators, having failed to attain quorum at the expiry of 10 minutes, the Senate stands adjourned pursuant to Standing Order No.41 (2) (a) until tomorrow, 16th October, 2024 at 9.00 a.m. The Senate rose at 5.36 p.m.