Senate · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 25 February 2026
Senators questioned the Cabinet Secretary on the transparency, selection criteria and monitoring of economic empowerment programmes such as NYOTA, as well as on irrigation projects and the high poverty rating for Bungoma County. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that 26,000 persons with disabilities have benefited from NYOTA and stressed the need for youth sensitisation, while the Speaker repeatedly restored order amid heated exchanges. The Senate session began with a formal welcome to a delegation of teachers and students from Mwongori High School, followed by a series of questions directed at the Cabinet Secretary on police‑related incidents. Senators raised concerns about the fatal shooting of Victor Kipng’eno Mutai, the lack of a victim‑compensation policy, and broader police brutality, urging legislative action. The tone combined courteous protocol with critical scrutiny of security‑force conduct. Senators questioned the Cabinet Secretary on the effectiveness of poverty‑reduction programmes, highlighting concerns over ghost beneficiaries, inadequate assessments and outdated data. They also raised issues about stalled irrigation projects, drought response funding, and emergency support for fire‑affected households in Murang'a. The debate was largely critical but constructive, seeking clearer accountability and implementation plans.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell for a further 10 minutes.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Order. Hon. Senators, we now have quorum. Clerk you may call the first Order. The Senate Majority Leader, proceed.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Wednesday, the 25th February, 2026.
Next Order.
Hon. Cabinet Secretary, welcome back once again to the Senate. You are before the Senate for purposes of responding to Questions No.001 and No.002, both by the Senator for Kisumu County. However, those two questions will be asked by the Senator for Bungoma on behalf of Sen. Tom Ojienda. Sen. Wakoli, you may proceed. Before Sen. Wakoli asks this question, I have allocated 20 minutes per question. …
Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Murkomen, so far you are doing well. Madam Temporary Speaker, last weekend I was at home with members of the public---
Sen. Ogola, please, ask your question.
Cabinet Secretary, Kanyikela Ward was gazetted and people are asking when it will be operational. That is in Ndhiwa Sub County.
I do not know whether that is related to the Question.
February, 25, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 51
February, 25, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 52
Hon. Cabinet Secretary, you have about 3 minutes. The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration : I am almost coming to the end. On the political activities, I will reiterate what the Majority Leader said about political players. Yes, some gangs are properly and fully utilised by politicians, 100 per cent. You saw some of the challenges we had in Kisii this weekend courtesy of …
[(Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen)]
Hon. Senators, it is now 1.10 p.m. Having concluded the business for which I extended the hours of sitting pursuant to Standing Order 34 (2) (A) , the Senate stands adjourned until today, Wednesday, 25th February, 2026 at 2.30 p.m. The House rose at 1:10 p.m.