Senate · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Senators debated a Bill aimed at making Kenya a globally competitive business hub, with Sen. Cheruiyot urging further amendments and praising the reform’s potential for sectors such as tourism, agriculture and BPO. The Speaker then announced a motion to suspend the sitting for up to two hours so that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, the Inspector General of Police and other officials could be questioned about the death of Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody. The proceedings combined constructive legislative discussion with urgent oversight of police conduct. Senators demanded urgent answers on the custodial death of Albert Ojwang’, urging the Cabinet Secretary for security, the IPOA chair, the NPSC chair and the IGP to explain the circumstances, delays and accountability of the police involved. They highlighted systemic issues of police misconduct, the need for transparent investigations, and called for possible legislative action to prevent future occurrences. The debate combined criticism of law‑enforcement practices with a constructive push for oversight and closure for the victim’s family. Sen. Wambua called for the official implicated in harassment allegations to step down pending investigation, arguing this would provide closure and uphold accountability. The Speaker then moved a procedural motion, which was approved without debate, and the Senate was adjourned until the afternoon session.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Hon. Senators, kindly, take your seats. Clerk, proceed to call the first Order.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Senate Majority Leader, being the Mover of this business, you may now proceed to reply.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I thank all the colleagues who took time to speak to this very fundamental Bill regarding making Kenya a globally competitive business hub. Like I mentioned when I was moving this Bill, this is perhaps the most bold of reforms that we have seen in creating Kenya into a competitive business environment and making sure that we can compete globally. I observed that there…
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I hope that colleagues who did not comment on the Bill will take time to read it and perhaps, share amendments before we do the Third Reading. We still have time before we do the Third Reading; it most likely will be after we return from recess. With those many remarks, I beg to reply. In accordance with Standing Order No.66(3), I beg to request that the putting of the question …
Thank you, Senate Majority Leader. Hon. Senators, allow me to make a communication.
National Police Service Commission (NPS) to respond to concerns from Senators for and on behalf of the people they represent. The matter at hand relates to the safety and well-being of persons in custody at police stations across the country and in particular, the circumstances surrounding the unwarranted treatment and grotesque death of Mr. Ojwang’. Hon. Senators, as you may be aware, Wednesday…
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise to move the following Motion- THAT, pursuant to Standing Order No.38 (1) , the Senate do suspend its proceedings for not more than two hours in order to allow Senators to efficiently interrogate the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, the Inspector General of Police, the Chairpersons of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and of th…
subsequently booked into a police station and then the report gets hazy after that. The next thing we know, the young man is lying at a morgue. If there was ever a time that we needed to rise to the occasion as a House and ensure that we do justice for the people that we represent in this House, it is now. We have, therefore, made this request that you allow us break from the normal session where…
complaint. Unfortunately, the situation gets complicated by the fact that officers who report to him went and picked this particular young man who died under very mysterious circumstances. If it was up to me, it would have been neater to advise Mr. Eliud Lagat that nobody has said you are guilty, but for the country and myself, as your friend to have a clear conscience, appreciate and know what r…
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity to second the Motion as moved by the Senate Majority Leader; the suspension of our debate, to listen to and interrogate the Cabinet Secretary in charge of security, the Chairperson of the NPSC, the Chairperson of IPOA and the Inspector General of Police on matters insecurity and specifically, the murder of Albert Omondi Ojwang’. One person that is…
me. Perhaps reporting harassment was the right thing to do. However, what followed after that? For purposes of closure and bringing calm in the country, perhaps what he should have done by now is to say; “I acted in good faith and as a demonstration of that good faith and a continuation of that good faith, I am leaving office to let investigations continue. If I am found culpable, I should be take…
Hon. Senators, I will now propose the question. Hon. Senators, this is a procedural Motion; we need not debate on it. With your concurrence, may I proceed to put the question?
[(Question proposed)]
Yes.
[(Applause)]
At this juncture, we shall resume the normal sitting of the Senate. We will proceed to adjourn and then come back at 2.30 p.m.