Senate · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 14 February 2024
Senators debated a bill to strengthen the Senate's enforcement powers under Article 125, proposing the creation of a Parliamentary Police Service and granting arrest authority to authorised officers. While acknowledging current weaknesses in summoning witnesses, they cited international examples, especially the US Senate, to justify harsher penalties and contempt powers. The discussion was largely supportive of the amendment but highlighted concerns about constitutionality and implementation. Senators debated amendments to strengthen the Senate's ability to compel witnesses, including higher fines and the power to attach salaries of non‑compliant officials. They argued that current penalties are too low and that clearer, personal liability provisions are needed to enforce constitutional mandates such as Article 153. The discussion also covered procedural timelines for summons and the constitutionality of the proposed measures. The Senate session began with procedural checks before the Speaker committed a petition concerning a veteran’s unpaid dues to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. The House then approved the draft Senate calendar, adjourned to address the surge in killings of women and girls, and welcomed a group of secondary‑school students on an educational visit.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Serjeant-at-Arms, you may stop the Bell. I am informed that we now have quorum. Clerk, proceed to call the first Order.
THAT, in 1987 the Petitioner sustained spinal cord injuries while in the cause of his duties, which left him paraplegic. THAT, in 1995 the Petitioner was served with a discharge instruction letter on medical grounds that was to take effect from 13th April, 1995. THAT, despite the Petitioner completing all the necessary clearance documents, he was not paid his lawful dues. The Petitioner filed a…
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the Senate, today the 14th day of February, 2024 - The Draft Senate Calendar for the Third Session of the Thirteenth Parliament.
[(Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi laid the document on the Table)]
Next order.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to give notice of the following Motion- THAT, pursuant to Standing Order No.32 (1) , the Senate approves the Calendar (Regular Sessions) for the Third Session of the Thirteenth Parliament , laid on the Table of the Senate on Wednesday, 14th February, 2024.
[(February to December, 2024)]
Next Order.
(Order for First Reading – Read the First Time and Ordered to be Referred to the Relevant Senate Committee) (Sen. Crystal Asige stood up in her place as the Clerk-at-the-Table was reading out the Orders)
Sen. Crystal Asige, you have been here long enough. You only rise on a point of order when a colleague has the floor. Are you saying the Clerk is out of order? Is it on a point of order or it is an intervention you wish to raise? If it is a point of order, I am afraid I may not allow you. Proceed, Senator.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.37, that the Senate do adjourn to discuss an urgent matter of national importance, namely the increased killings of women and girls recently witnessed in the country. I thank you.
[(Applause)]
Hon. Senators, the Motion having met the threshold with an overwhelming support, I do nominate that the same be prosecuted at 5.00 p.m. today.
[(Loud consultations)]
Hon. Senators, in the Speaker's Gallery, we have 25 students accompanied by four teachers from PCEA Mitahato Secondary School in Kiambu County who are undertaking an educational visit in the Senate. In our usual tradition of receiving and welcoming guests to Parliament, I extend a warm welcome to them. On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, wish them a fruitful visit. I do not see the Sen…
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I join you in welcoming the students and teachers from Kiambu to the Senate. I am sure they will learn a lot from us. This is a House of Parliament, the Senate of Kenya, which is involved with legislation and oversighting our counties. I wish them a fruitful visit. Thank you. The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) : Next Order, Clerk. (The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker) Hon. Se…
We will proceed with Order No.18 going forward. Clerk, kindly proceed to call that order.
Sen. Cherarkey is not here? That Order is deferred. Next Order, Clerk. Second Reading
Sen. Thang’wa is not here. That Order is deferred. Next Order, Clerk. Second Reading
Sen. Chesang is not here. That Order is deferred. Next Order, Clerk. Second Reading
Sen. Chesang is not here. That Order is deferred. Next Order, Clerk. Second Reading
Hon. Senators, it is now 6.30 p.m., time to adjourn the Senate. The Senate therefore stands adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, 15th February, 2024 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 6:30 p.m.