President William Ruto's decision to take seven Cabinet Secretaries to New York for the United Nations General Assembly has triggered a storm in the Senate. Lawmakers are questioning the government's priorities and the overall cost of the delegation. The trip has raised concerns about the efficiency of government and the use of public funds.
Opposition senators criticised the absence of key Cabinet Secretaries from the Senate's Mashinani sitting in Kilifi, where at least three of the seven CSs were expected to appear before plenary to respond to various queries. Education CS Julius Ogamba, Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho, and ICT CS William Kabogo were among those absent, denying senators an opportunity to seek answers on issues affecting Kenyans.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale led the criticism, questioning the size of the delegation and its financial implications for taxpayers. He said the trip raised questions about the efficiency of government and the use of public funds, citing the cost of air tickets, security, and other expenses. Khalwale also argued that the Senate should be disturbed by the development, as it has a bearing on the efficiency of how the government is run.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticised Joho's absence, saying it had frustrated efforts by senators to obtain answers on concerns raised by residents of Kilifi. Sifuna said he expected Joho to appear after a Senate committee visited the Kilifi Central fish landing site, where lawmakers heard complaints from fishermen, young people, and residents. He wanted to engage Joho directly on employment opportunities for young people living around the project.
Sifuna also criticised Joho after the CS posted on social media while walking through the streets of New York. He contrasted the minister's stroll through the US city with conditions in Nairobi, saying CSs rarely walk around the capital to experience the daily struggles of ordinary Kenyans. Sifuna cited poor roads, inadequate pavements, and pedestrian safety concerns in Nairobi, arguing that government officials should experience such problems first-hand.
However, Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana defended the President's delegation, saying international trips provide CSs with opportunities to negotiate agreements and hold meetings with their counterparts. Mungatana said senators should explain to the public that CSs accompanying the President abroad have official assignments beyond sitting behind him during his speeches.
The confrontation unfolded as senators held the Mashinani sitting in Kilifi, an initiative intended to take Parliament closer to citizens and allow residents to raise concerns directly with their representatives. The constitution empowers Parliament and its committees to summon Cabinet secretaries and other officials to provide information and answer questions on matters under their dockets.
Key points
- President Ruto's UNGA trip sparks Senate controversy
- Three Cabinet Secretaries skip Kilifi sitting
- Senators question government's priorities and cost of delegation
