Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has expressed disappointment with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi after the CS failed to appear before the Senate for a scheduled session.
Mbadi, who had confirmed his attendance, was expected to address the House on Wednesday morning but did not show up.
Addressing the Senate, Sifuna lamented that Mbadi, who assumed office less than a month ago, had already begun to show a lack of respect for Parliament.
“I am shocked. We woke up early to attend this session, yet the Cabinet Secretary has failed to appear. The question I was supposed to present to CS Mbadi is over a year old,” Sifuna remarked.
The senator emphasized the importance of Cabinet Secretaries engaging with the House, stating that such snubs cannot be tolerated.
“John Mbadi needs to understand that this is unacceptable. Cabinet Secretaries must show respect to this House,” he added.
Sifuna noted that the situation was particularly frustrating given that Mbadi, a former member of Parliament, should understand the importance of such engagements.
He further criticized the CS for failing to inform the Senate in advance of his absence.
“As of yesterday, there was confirmation that Mbadi would attend. At the very least, he should have written to inform the House if he couldn’t make it. We also have other matters to attend to,” Sifuna said. “This is not the John Mbadi I knew. He used to respect Parliament.”
Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi echoed Sifuna’s concerns, stating that it was inappropriate for the Senate to receive a letter from Mbadi while the session was in progress.
“It is not in order to receive such communication while the session is ongoing,” Murungi said, adding that the Senate has the authority under Standing Order 51(d) to censure the CS for failing to appear without a valid reason.
Murungi suggested that the Senate consider invoking its powers under the Standing Order to address the issue, urging his colleagues not to let such incidents go unchecked.