Senate Takes Action After Sakaja Cancels Meeting Last Minute
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has once more faced criticism from Senators after abruptly canceling his scheduled meeting.
The Governor had a scheduled appearance before the Senate Committee on Energy on Thursday, March 21st, where he was expected to address inquiries regarding the Embakasi Gas explosion that tragically claimed the lives of innocent residents.
At 8:15 am, just 45 minutes before his scheduled appearance, he sent a letter of apology to the committee. In the letter, Sakaja clarified that he wouldn’t be able to attend as he had a prior commitment to attend a funeral.
He informed the members of the committee that he would be present at the funeral of the late father of Mejjadonk Benjamin Gathiru, the MP for Embakasi Central, who passed away on March 12th.
Nevertheless, the committee was displeased by the regretful response and decided to call upon the governor for additional interrogation. He has been requested to attend on Thursday, March 28th.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, present at the gathering, emphasized the importance of the House endorsing a suggestion to apprehend any leaders who neglect to comply with the summons.
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In the proposal put forward in February, Sifuna contended that the fine of Ksh500,000 was insufficient to effectively prompt leaders to cease such conduct.
If the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges (Amendment) Bill is passed, it will include a provision for the creation of a Parliamentary Police Unit. This unit will have the authority to apprehend cabinet secretaries, governors, and principal secretaries who refuse to comply with summonses.
“There is no other way to give this House teeth and ensure that we can carry out our mandate and tie up these loose ends that will ensure that we can do our work effectively,” Sifuna remarked.
Sakaja, notably, is one of the leaders who have consistently disregarded the summonses. In November 2023, he was penalized Ksh500,000 for this behavior.
On November 14 of the preceding year, Sakaja was called upon to address various concerns voiced by residents of Nairobi. Nevertheless, he disregarded this summons and was subsequently called upon again on November 30.
Additionally, his absence, attributed to his presence in South Africa, was not accounted for in his explanation. This consistent pattern of behavior led the legislators to impose a more substantial penalty.
Senate Takes Action After Sakaja Cancels Meeting Last Minute