Senate · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 29 November 2023
Sen. Oketch Gicheru criticised the absence of Cabinet Secretaries from Senate sessions, urging a censure letter and hefty fines to enforce accountability, while the Speaker highlighted procedural lapses in communication. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale praised a committee’s report recommending the shutdown of the Good News International Ministry, asset freezes for its leaders, and condemned perceived obstruction by a senior minister. Both speakers combined sharp criticism with concrete remedial proposals. Senators debated the findings of the Shakahola ad‑hoc Committee, highlighting the escalation from an initial 95 to over 429 exhumed bodies and questioning the adequacy of the investigation. The discussion covered the need for a draft Religious Organisations Bill, the operationalisation of the National Forensic Laboratory, and strengthening the Witness Protection Agency, while criticizing the role of the Cabinet Secretary and security agencies in the probe. Senators debated the applicability of various Standing Orders as Sen. Orwoba sought to discuss the Shakahola investigation, with other members questioning the relevance of her points and citing procedural rules. The exchange grew heated, featuring accusations of irrelevance, interruptions, and remarks about age and gender that Sen. Orwoba described as demeaning. The Temporary Speaker intervened repeatedly to enforce order and clarify procedural requirements.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for a further 10 minutes. Serjeant-at-arms, I am informed that we now have quorum. Kindly stop the Bell. Clerk, proceed to call the first Order. Hon. Senators, kindly, take your seats. I have a communication to deliver.
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
[(Several Senators walked into the Chamber)]
Hon. Senators, I wish to acknowledge the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery this morning of a delegation from Migori County Assembly. The delegation comprises Members of the Select Committee on County Delegated Legislation and its Secretariat. They are here for a benchmarking visit. I request each member of the delegation to stand when called out, so that you may be acknowledged in the Senate trad…
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. On my own behalf and the leadership of the entire Senate, I extend this welcome to the delegation and wish them well in their study tour. Your Senator is a very active Member of this House. I am very sure by the time you are leaving, he will be with us. Follow proceedings and learn as much as you can.
Next Order.
Hon. Senators, we were scheduled to receive three Cabinet Secretaries to respond to the Questions as listed in the Order Paper. Unfortunately, we have since received communication from the three Cabinet Secretaries that they will not be able to attend this session for the purpose of responding to these Questions.
As far as Question No.18 is concerned, we received a letter this morning that the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is out of the country on delegated duties. Therefore, he will not be with us this morning for purposes of responding to it. The Question was asked by Sen. Lomenen. That is as far as Question No.18 goes. Question No.67 is by Sen. Kathuri Murungi directed to …
Question No.078
I invite the Clerk to read that Order, so that debate can resume on that particular Motion. Clerk proceed.
Hon. Senators, it is now 1.00 p.m. time to adjourn the Senate. The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until today, Wednesday, 29th November, 2023 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 1.00 p.m.