Editor's Review

I want to ask this House to institute a censure motion against these two CSs - Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute.

The Senate plenary erupted into a heated debate on Wednesday morning, November 13, after Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano failed to honor summons from the Senate.

It all began after Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi notified the House that the two CSs could not appear for grilling, even as he expressed his disappointment.

"This morning we expected two CSs; the CS for Health and the CS for Tourism and Wildlife. I've been informed that a letter has come from the Health CS requesting postponement of appearance before the Senate. And they have given a reason that the CS is indisposed and she's not able to appear. 

"There was a request by the Tourism to the Senate Business Committee to excuse her from the Wednesday sitting, but the committee declined her request yesterday. We are faced with a situation that none of the CSs will be appearing before the Senate this morning and it is very regrettable," Kathuri remarked.

Following the communication, Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute urged the Senate to initiate a censure motion against the two CSs.

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Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa.

Chute claimed that the CSs can only skip Senate summons if they are attending a cabinet meeting, adding that the trend must be stopped.

"The only issue that can allow them not to come before this House is if they have a cabinet meeting. I want this House, if they will agree with me, to ensure that the trend of ignoring this House must stop. I want to ask this House to institute a censure motion against these two CSs," Chute remarked.

His Kitui counterpart, Enock Wambua, wondered if there was any provision in the law for the suspension of CSs for professional misconduct.

"Last evening, the CEO of the Social Health Authority was suspended due to alleged professional misconduct. The Health CS has shown the newest level of contempt. I don't know if there are any provisions in law for suspension of CSs for professional misconduct," Wambua stated.

Similarly, nominated senator Esther Okenyuri expressed her disappointment in the CSs' gesture, saying that they should prioritize the business of the Senate.

Barasa and Miano had been summoned to respond to critical issues touching their ministries.