Senate · Morning Sitting
Wednesday, 8 May 2024
The Senate questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Interior on the murder of political blogger Daniel Muthiani Bernard (alias Sniper) in Meru County, reviewing the investigation details and the handling of the case. Senator Kathuri pressed for information on alleged sponsors and urged a speedy conclusion to the probe, while the Speaker reminded her of procedural limits. The exchange underscored community demand for justice and the ongoing investigative process. Senators questioned the Cabinet Secretary on the operationalisation of newly gazetted sub‑counties, highlighting staffing gaps and infrastructure needs. The Cabinet Secretary affirmed that all sub‑counties will be functional in the FY 2023/24, urging collaboration with the NG‑CDF and noting fiscal constraints. Senators expressed appreciation for progress while seeking clearer timelines for pending units. Senators raised concerns over insecurity in Mandera and the safety of bloggers, questioning the government’s response to threats and incidents of violence against online journalists. The Cabinet Secretary outlined the creation of a special DCI unit to monitor hateful or incite‑violent content and reported ongoing investigations into online and physical gangs across 19 counties. The Speaker intervened to maintain order, highlighting procedural tensions alongside the substantive debate.
Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes. Order, hon. Senators! I am informed that we now have quorum. We shall proceed with todays’ business. Clerk, kindly proceed to call the first Order.
[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]
[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]
Hon. Senators, we have five Questions today, which are all directed to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration. Clerk, do we have the Cabinet Secretary present. You may proceed to usher the Cabinet Secretary into the Chamber, kindly.
(The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration (Hon. (Prof.) Kithure Kindiki) was ushered into the Chamber) Hon. Senators, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration is in the House. Therefore, we shall proceed because we have five Questions. I believe that quite a number of supplementary questions will flow from these. I wish to rearrange the order in which th…
Mr. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I want to ask Question No.039 to our hardworking Cabinet Secretary-
permit the unauthorized movement of vehicles beyond the curfew hours, we would be happy to get the information even on a confidential basis. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, apart from the ongoing security operation, the Government has taken additional measures to address insecurity issues within Turkana County. They include but are not limited to the following- First, we are encouraging communities …
permit the unauthorized movement of vehicles beyond the curfew hours, we would be happy to get the information even on a confidential basis. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, apart from the ongoing security operation, the Government has taken additional measures to address insecurity issues within Turkana County. They include but are not limited to the following- First, we are encouraging communities …
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for what he has submitted. It is true that the security officers in Kainuk, Turkana South and Turkana East are doing good work. However, I want to inform the Cabinet Secretary that the officers in Turkana South, who are securing the A1 Road have the biggest challenge. When they want to confront the bandits or the highway robbe…
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for what he has submitted. It is true that the security officers in Kainuk, Turkana South and Turkana East are doing good work. However, I want to inform the Cabinet Secretary that the officers in Turkana South, who are securing the A1 Road have the biggest challenge. When they want to confront the bandits or the highway robbe…
We are waiting for the conclusion of public participation and engagement for Aror. Immediately that matter is resolved, we will operationalize it. As the distinguished Senator of Turkana said, the word of the Cabinet Secretary is his bond. Nonetheless, above the promise of the Cabinet Secretary, the Cabinet Secretary is also under Presidential directive. There is a double weight on me. First of a…
We are waiting for the conclusion of public participation and engagement for Aror. Immediately that matter is resolved, we will operationalize it. As the distinguished Senator of Turkana said, the word of the Cabinet Secretary is his bond. Nonetheless, above the promise of the Cabinet Secretary, the Cabinet Secretary is also under Presidential directive. There is a double weight on me. First of a…
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I rise to ask question No.043- Are there plans to re-establish the Wema General Service Unit (GSU) camp in Tana River County, which was closed after it was marooned by floods during the heavy rains experienced across the country in December, 2023 and if so, could the Cabinet Secretary provide the timelines for the same? I thank you.
Hon. Senators, it is now 1.13 p.m. and having concluded the business for which I extended the hours of sitting, pursuant to Standing Order No.34 (2) (a) , the Senate stands adjourned until today, Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 1.13 p.m.