Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faces renewed scrutiny from Senators following the abrupt cancellation of his scheduled meeting.
Sakaja was slated to address the Senate Committee on Energy on Thursday, March 21, regarding inquiries into the Embakasi Gas explosion, which tragically claimed the lives of innocent residents.
Only 45 minutes before his scheduled appearance, Sakaja dispatched a regretful missive to the committee at 8:15 am, citing his unavailability due to attending a funeral. He clarified that he was paying respects at the funeral of Embakasi Central MP Mejjadonk Benjamin Gathiru’s father, who had passed away on March 12.
However, the committee members expressed discontent with the short notice and opted to summon the governor for further interrogation. Sakaja has been instructed to appear before the committee on Thursday, March 28.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, present at the meeting, reiterated the necessity for the House to ratify a proposal enabling the apprehension of leaders who fail to honor summons. Initially proposed in February, Sifuna argued that the existing fine of Ksh500,000 was insufficient to deter such disregard for summons.
Contained within the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges (Amendment) Bill, the proposal mandates the establishment of a Parliamentary Police Unit to arrest non-compliant cabinet secretaries, governors, and principal secretaries.
Sifuna remarked, “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.”
It is noteworthy that Sakaja is among the leaders who have repeatedly disregarded summonses. In November 2023, he was fined KES 500,000 for similar non-compliance.
On November 14 of the preceding year, Sakaja was summoned to address various concerns raised by Nairobi residents. However, he failed to attend, and another summons was issued on November 30.
Furthermore, he was absent on this occasion as well, citing being in South Africa. Such consistent behavior prompted legislators to impose a more substantial penalty.
