February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1

Thursday, 19th February, 2026

Clerk, do we have quorum?

Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell for 10 minutes.

Order, hon. Senators. We now have quorum. Clerk, read out the first Order.

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Yes, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Senate Majority Leader, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table---

Just a minute, Sen. Olekina. There is a point of order from the Senator for Kakamega County.

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Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, to guide the House, it is our tradition, custom and practice in accordance with Standing Order No.1 (2) that if a Member must discharge the responsibility of another Member, he should submit to the Speaker a written consent from the said Member whom he is representing.

Could Sen. Olekina, who is not a Member of the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) , demonstrate that he has been directed to discharge on behalf of the Majority Leader? We now risk turning this House into a primary school debate. This is the Parliament of Kenya. If the Majority Leader, the Chief Whip and their deputies are unable to come to the House, they are admitting that they are unable to run Government.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am quite baffled by a ranking Member of Parliament misleading the nation. He quoted a Standing Order that means completely different from what he is saying, and I shall read it. Maybe this is the best time for him to go back to school.

Standing Order No.1 says- “In cases not provided for, the Speaker to decide. Standing Order No.1 (2) says- “The decision made in paragraph (1) shall be based on the Constitution of Kenya, statute law and the usages, forms, precedents, customs, procedures and traditions of the Parliament of Kenya and other jurisdictions to the extent that there are applicable to Kenya”.

I shall refer to paragraph one. You said Standing Order No.1 (2) . Standing Order No.1 (1) says-

“In all cases where matters are not expressly provided for by the Senate Standing Orders or by other orders of the Senate, any procedural question shall be decided by the Speaker”

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I heard the Speaker calling. I will read two and this is when we go back to class one, so that you can understand what it means to read. Number two says as follows-

“The decision made in Paragraph 1 by the Speaker---,” and the Speaker shouted Ledama Olekina’s name. He did not shout Boni Khalwale.

Then it says clearly that the decision made in Paragraph 1 shall be based on the Constitution of Kenya, statutes law and the usage forms, precedents, customs, procedures and traditions of Parliament of Kenya and other jurisdictions to the extent that they are applicable in Kenya.

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Sen. Boni Khalwale, if you go to Standing Order No.57 (1) ---

Are you aware that Sen. Ledama is a member of the Senate Business Committee (SBC) ? Are you aware or not? Just read 57 (1) loudly. Let me sit, you can read for yourself.

I will read. This is Standing Order No.57 (1) . “The Senate Majority Leader or, in his or her absence, a member of the Senate Business Committee designated by the Senate Majority Leader for that purpose, shall, every Thursday or on the last sitting day of the week, present and lay on the Table a statement informing the Senate of the business coming before the Senate in the following week.”

Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale is, in fact, right. There is a benefit of having been in this particular House for all this time. If the Majority Leader has not designated Sen. Ledama Olekina as a member of the SBC, he cannot do what he is purporting to do.

Sen. Sifuna, how do you know he has not?

That is the reason Sen. Khalwale asked for a written designation of this particular member of the SBC. He asked in accordance with the Standing Orders. Can I make this last point, please? People fight for these positions.

They must know that you must come to the House to do that job. It is very unfortunate that the entirety of the leadership of the Majority is not in the House today. If you want to remove Sen. Khalwale as a whip and put somebody else, that person must be able to do the work that Sen. Khalwale used to do. If Sen. Khalwale was still the Whip of the Majority, he would be here to lay on the Table.

What you are trying to do is a travesty. It is a violation of the law. It is a violation of the Standing Orders. There is no designation of Sen. Ledama as the person who is supposed to do the duties of the Majority Leader.

Thank you.

Proceed, Sen. Cherarkey.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the reading of Standing Order No.57 (1) is very clear. In fact, it has been specific in the reading statement of the Majority Leader. Since it is not provided expressly on the laying or the tabling of papers, Standing Order No.1, which you have absolutely---

Let us make progress.

Can I finish in just 30 seconds? Standing Order No.57 is not expressly provided for, but Standing Order No.1 cures everything. We will not allow the former Majority Whip, who we de-whipped, to lecture us. We removed Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale for non-performance, he cannot come and lecture some of us.

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What I am directing is that, under Standing Order No.1, I directed you to read the statements. So, proceed to do exactly what the Chair guided you to do.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 19th February, 2026-

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Thank you, Sen. Ledama.

Hon. Senators, we have statements under Standing Order No.53. However, before we start Order No.7, yesterday and this afternoon, I have signed so many statements. I can see that the ones we have here are very few.

Clerk, if there are other statements, they can be brought to the Members, so that they can read them out and start the process. I think there are too many that I have handled from yesterday.

Let us start with the Senator for Isiolo County. Sen. Fatuma Dullo, CBS, MP.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) , to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a matter regarding the unlawful removal of county staff from the Isiolo County payroll and the resulting denial of salaries and lawful employment benefits.

The affected staff are; Dadacha A. Sillo, Diba Mohamud Jilo, Adan Boru Jirma, Boru Abubakar Ali, Rashid Yusuf Mohamed, Godana Ali Huqa, Mohamed Abdi Enow, Shunu Abdikadir Dokaka, Buke Osman Kampu, Halake Hussein Mohamed, Mohamed Jamila Abdinasir, Ahmed Fatuma Hibaq, Sheikh Yahbar Mohamed, Hassan Abdi Hajj, Lydia Kathure, Shann Ibrahim Suqo, Tume Abduba, Ali Badha Muktar, Abubakar Jarso Mahad, Boru Zamzam Ali, Hadji Bukhar Mohamed, Daud Isadin Muktar, Moses Kinyua Kaimenyi, Suleiman Guyo Sattani, Habiba Adan Roba, Diba Hassan Diba, Bati Guyo Kilo, Hawo Mohamed and several others.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

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Very well. Next, Sen. Mundigi Alexander.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on a matter of countywide concern regarding the infestation of white grubs commonly known as marindi, red mites and scale insects that are adversely affecting the muguka crop in Embu County.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, muguka is a vital cash crop and a primary source of livelihood for many households, particularly in Mbeere North and Mbeere South sub- counties. The ongoing pest infestation has resulted in reduced yields, extensive crop damages and significant income losses for farmers.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

Order, Senators. Sen. Samson Cherarkey, you have two statements. I can see a repeat of a statement you made this week.

No, it is not, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Okay, proceed.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this is request for a statement on the status of investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into extrajudicial killings and abuse of police authority.

I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of national

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Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your indulgence in suo moto manner, allow me to read my second statement.

This is a request for a statement on the rise in organised criminal gang activities in the country. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on a matter of national concern regarding the rise in organised criminal gang activities in the country.

In the recent past, the country has witnessed widespread activities by organised criminal gangs. The Jukwaa la Usalama Report by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration highlighted the issues specifically identified in Nairobi, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kisii, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Mombasa, Murang’a and Machakos as the most affected counties with organised criminal gangs.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

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Next is Sen. Andrew Omtatah Okoiti.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I request for a statement on medical negligence, professional misconduct and patient safety concerns at Sinai Hospital, Rongai in Kajiado County.

I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No. 53 (1) ---

Sen. Omtatah, the Statement you are supposed to read is for the Committee on Roads and Transportation on construction of bridges.

I was handed two statements.

Do you have the other one on transport?

Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Okay. Then proceed.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Health on a matter of countywide concern regarding the medical negligence, professional misconduct and patient safety concerns at Sinai Hospital in Rongai; arising from the management of a maternity patient, Ms. Rachel Letitoya in December, 2025, and the broader standards of care at the facility in Kajiado County.

The patient is reported to have presented at the facility on 24th December, 2025; undergone induction and delivery after being informed that the foetus had died, experienced continued bleeding with retained placenta which was confirmed through repeated scans. The patient was discharged in a critical state before later being referred to Bliss Hospital and subsequently to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) where she collapsed, underwent surgery and required blood transfusion before discharge.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

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Very well, Sen. Okiya Omtatah. Next is Sen. Hezena Lemaletian.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I have two statements and I request to read both with your permission.

I thank you.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Health on a matter of countywide concern regarding the tragic death of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Mary Na saion, wife to Mr. Robert Lekireu at Suguta Level 4 Hospital in Samburu County.

On the 13th February 2026, Mrs. Nasaion passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital after waiting for approximately three hours without being attended to by the medical personnel. This incident has caused deep grief to the family and distress to the wider community and has raised serious concerns regarding the responsiveness and quality of care at the facility, particularly for pregnant women and the vulnerable patients who require timely emergency attention.

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 15 DETERIORATING SECURITY SITUATION IN BARAGOI AND ITS ENVIRONS IN SAMBURU COUNTY

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a statement on a matter of general topical concern namely, the deteriorating security situation in Baragoi and its environs in Samburu County.

On the 15th February, 2026, a member of the Lessepe family was fatally shot in cold blood following heavy gunfire near Baragoi Boys Secondary School. This tragic incident occurred barely two weeks after another young man from the Lorobat family was brutally killed, leaving his colleague seriously injured. These repeated acts of violence have instilled fear, anger and uncertainty across the region.

These tragic events have left Baragoi tense with restricted movement as residents live in fear of further attacks. There is growing apprehension of revenge encounters and violence, which threatens to escalate into wider instability if urgent intervention is not undertaken.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, in Nisisho-Nyiro area, in Nyiro ward and Ruirikan, Morijo and Suyan areas in Angata and Nayukie Ward, where pastoralists have moved in search of pasture, the situation is equally volatile. There are fears that bandits may strike at any time, placing innocent herdsmen, women and children at imminent risk. This recurrent cycle of killings and banditry continues to destabilise Samburu County, disrupt livelihoods and erode public confidence in the Government's ability to provide security to its citizens.

Swift and firm intervention is the only way to break this cycle of violence and restore lasting peace and stability in Baragoi and Samburu County at large. I therefore urge the national Government, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, to take immediate and decisive action to-

Sen. Hezena, approach the Chair with the two statements. I wanted to help you by requesting your neighbour to help you, but no Standing Order allows me to assist you when you are that emotional. Sorry about that.

Next is Sen. Faki.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 16 MWEZI MTUKUFU WA RAMADHANI

Asante, Bw. Naibu Spika, kwa kunipa fursa hii kusoma Taarifa kuhusu kuanza kwa Mwezi Mtukufu wa Ramadhani.

Bw. Naibu Spika, nasimama kwa mujibu wa Kanuni ya Kudumu Nambari 52 (1) ya Kanuni za Seneti kutoa Kauli kuhusu kuanza kwa Mwezi Mtukufu wa Ramadhani hapo jana kwa baadhi ya Waislamu na hii leo kwa Waislamu wengine kote nchini na ulimwenguni.

Mwezi wa Ramadhani ni mwezi wa tisa katika kalenda ya Kiislamu na ni mwezi ambao Waislamu wanapaswa kufunga siku nzima kwa muda wa siku 29 ama 30 bila kula chakula au kunywa maji. Ni mwezi huu ambao Waislamu hujikurubisha kwa Mola wao kwa kujinyima chakula na starehe ili kuwalisha maskini na wasiojiweza na kufanya ibaada nyinginezo kama ilivyoamrishwa kwenye Kurani Tukufu.

Waislamu hufanya ibada nyingi katika kipindi hiki, ikiwepo swala maalumu ya Tarawehe, kando na swala nyingine za usiku. Hiyo ndio sababu utawaona Waislamu katika miji mingi wakikaa misikitini kwa muda mrefu hususan wakati wa usiku. Ijapokuwa Serikali imetoa uhakikisho wa usalama, ipo haja ya kusisitiza kuimarisha kwa usalama ili Waislamu wasitatizwe na wahalifu wanapokwenda na kutoka misikitini.

Waislamu watahitaji maji kwa wingi na vilevile umeme katika kipindi hiki. Kaunti nyingi, ikiwemo Mombasa, zimekuwa na uhaba wa maji na umeme hivi karibuni. Kwa hivyo, naomba taasisi husika, ikiwemo Serikali ya Kaunti ya Mombasa na Shirika la Umeme la Kenya Power, kuhakikishia wakazi kwamba huduma hizo zitaboreshwa na zitapatikana bila shida.

Ramadhani ya mwaka huu inakwenda sambamba na msimu wa Kwaresma, yani Lent, kwa Wakatoliki. Wao pia hufunga na kujinyima mambo kadhaa ili kuwa karibu na Mwenyezi Mungu. Nachukua fursa hii kuwatakia Wakatoliki wote Kwaresma ya baraka na fanaka nyingi.

Namalizia kwa kuwatakia Waislamu wote Ramadhani Mubarak, Saumu Maqbul na dua zenye kutakabaliwa.

Next is Sen. Wambua. You have two statements; one under Standing Order No.53 (1) and the other one under Standing Order No.52 (1) . Start with the one under Standing Order No.53 (1) before you do the other one.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am well guided. I have two statements. I do not know why Sen. Cherarkey is so excited about me reading statements.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg you to allow me just one minute to make a comment. Sen. Olekina and I lived in a jurisdiction that---

Sen. Wambua, I will give you that opportunity later. Just read your statements.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I will do that, but I require that Sen. Olekina does not leave the Chamber before I make that statement because it is important.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 17 STATUS AND WELFARE OF JSS TEACHERS IN KITUI COUNTY

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Education on a matter of county-wide concern regarding the status and welfare of Junior Secondary School (JSS) Teachers in Kitui County.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Sen. Roba should listen because I know JSS teachers in Mandera will benefit from this.

Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers across the country, and in particular Kitui County, face a combination of policy, financial infrastructure and welfare challenges, including delayed confirmation of employment, excessive workload, poor working conditions and limited support, which directly affect the quality of education delivered under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) .

In the statement, the Committee should address the following-

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a statement on a matter of countywide concern regarding blatant destruction or riverbeds in Kitui County through illegal, dangerous, unregulated and unsustainable sand harvesting. This ongoing plunder is accelerating desertification in an

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Very well. Sen. Sifuna Edwin, proceed.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as you are aware, we will be visiting the sugar belt this weekend---

Kakamega to be specific and anyone who thinks they can block me from going to Kakamega is welcome to try.

I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on a matter of national concern

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Hon. Senators, I will allow just 20 minutes for clarifications or comments on the statements starting with Sen. Maina Veronica.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I cede my chance to another Senator to first proceed.

Sen. Methu?

Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. That is quite an unexpected donation from Sen. Veronica Maina; thank you very much.

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Hon. Senators, I allowed 20 minutes and if we go the Methu way, then only four or three Senators will be able to make their comments. So, the next Senator should take two minutes, at least two minutes.

Sen. Osotsi Godfrey.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Let me make my very quick comments on the statement by Sen. Cherarkey on extrajudicial killings and abuse of police authority. First of all, I praise Sen. Cherarkey for bringing this statement because it should have been me or Sen. Sifuna to bring this statement because Sen. Cherarkey knows he can walk into an office and have this matter resolved.

Nevertheless, the matter that he has brought is very weighty and I want to agree with Sen. Methu that IPOA is really not doing their job and not just IPOA, all these

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Hon. Senators, you know that when the Chair allows points of order, you should just restrain yourself. You just listen. The other day, Sen. Sifuna, you were complaining that the Chairs do not give points of order. Now that I am giving, Sen. Mandago, then you are saying he has finished. So next time, when the chair directs that there is a point of order, kindly listen. Let us handle the business the way it should. Do not insist to use the mic. Clerks, when there is a point of order, please mute the microphone of the Senator who is on the Floor, so that the point of order can be executed.

Now, unless I give you an opportunity under Standing Order No.1---

Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The reason I rose on a point of order--- of course, he has already sat---

Quote the Standing Order you are also using to do that. It is not just open---

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rose under Standing Order No.105. The Senator for Vihiga made a very serious allegation that the police are planning mayhem. As far as we are concerned, the mandate of the police is to maintain law and order in any function, whether a government or opposition function. For him to allege that there is a government PS in Kisumu organising goons and you want us to allow that to go on the Floor of the House without substation, is not in order. Every statement in this House must be substantiated.

Sen. Osotsi, you can substantiate that claim.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am talking as a Senator of Vihiga County and a son of that region and I am on the ground. I know what is happening. In my statement, I said the government is planning to cause mayhem in Kakamega. If anything happens to our people in Kakamega, we know where we will put the blame. We will blame the government of William Ruto.

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Sen. Osotsi, you have not clarified or substantiated yet because you should provide evidence, of course, that the government is planning to cause chaos in Kakamega.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, if you give me time, I will provide the information on Tuesday.

In the next sitting, yes. You should do that. Sen. Tabitha Mutinda.

Alright. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Allow me to quickly just make a brief comment on the Statement by Sen. Mundigi as far as the product, the drug and medicine called muguka is concerned.

Sen. Mundigi has raised very pertinent issues regarding infestation of the crop by pests and all that. This House passed my Bill, that is the Agricultural Extension Services Bill, currently at the National Assembly. Hon. Mundigi clearly talks about trying to understand the services that should be rendered by agricultural extension officers.

I rise to emphasise that the role of the agricultural extension officers to each and every county in this country is very critical. It is high time that the National Assembly speeds up this Bill because this is what is going to sort the issue that Hon. Mundigi has raised, not only for muguk, but for many other crops that cut across. I know very well that muguka is one of the cash crops in the region of Embu, Meru, cutting across Mount Kenya East, and it goes a long way as far as economic factors are concerned.

Due to the limited time, allow me to also mention something on the issue at Sinai Hospital. From where I sit as a Member of the Health Committee, this is a matter that I definitely want to assure the House that we will not waste so much time, but get to the bottom of the facts. This is something that has also happened in one of the---

Sen. Shakila Abdalla: Asante Mheshimiwa Naibu Spika kwa kunipa nafasi kuchangia kauli iliyoletwa na Sen. Hezena kuhusu usalama.

Usalama unachangiwa kwanza na silaha. Serikali inafaa kuhakikisha imedhibiti silaha hizo kwa pande zote mbili ili kudhibiti usalama kikamilifu. Si, kudhibiti upande mmoja halafu waende upande mwingine.

Pili wanafaa kudhibiti mipaka. Mipaka ya Kenya iko very porous sehemu zote. Ni muhimu kwa serikali kuhakikisha imedhbiti mipaka yetu ya Kenya ili biashara ya silaha inayoendelea kwenye mipaka ikomeshwe. Haya yote yanachangiwa na silaha zinazotoka nchi jirani na kuingia nchini Kenya ili kuchangia vita vya makabila.

Tunaomba Waziri wa Usalama wa Taifa, Ulinzi na Uhusiano wa Kimataifa awe akisikiliza wananchi na viongozzi on the ground. Mheshimiwa Waziri hata simu za viongozi hachukui. Ukimwandikia barua hajibu. Kuna umuhimu Waziri aamke na afanye kazi yake kikamilifu. Amelala na kuzembea sana.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I support this statement by Sen. Hezena. First of all, let me send my condolences to the two families, the family of Lessepe and Lorubai.

In northern Kenya and upper eastern, we have a big problem. When you run from a bandit and run into a police officer; the same police officer will shoot you. Again, there are terrorists in some parts of northern Kenya. You run from a terrorist; you end up going to a police officer. You will get killed also.

Asante Mheshimiwa Naibu Spika kwa kunipa nafasi kuchangia kauli iliyoletwa na Sen. Hezena kuhusu usalama. Usalama unachangiwa kwanza na silaha. Serikali inafaa kuhakikisha imedhibiti silaha hizo kwa pande zote mbili ili kudhibiti usalama kikamilifu. Si, kudhibiti upande mmoja halafu waende upande mwingine. Pili wanafaa kudhibiti mipaka. Mipaka ya Kenya iko very porous sehemu zote. Ni muhimu kwa serikali kuhakikisha imedhbiti mipaka yetu ya Kenya ili biashara ya silaha inayoendelea kwenye mipaka ikomeshwe. Haya yote yanachangiwa na silaha zinazotoka nchi jirani na kuingia nchini Kenya ili kuchangia vita vya makabila. Tunaomba Waziri wa Usalama wa Taifa, Ulinzi na Uhusiano wa Kimataifa awe akisikiliza wananchi na viongozzi on the ground. Mheshimiwa Waziri hata simu za viongozi hachukui. Ukimwandikia barua hajibu. Kuna umuhimu Waziri aamke na afanye kazi yake kikamilifu. Amelala na kuzembea sana.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I support this statement by Sen. Hezena. First of all, let me send my condolences to the two families, the family of Lessepe and Lorubai.

In northern Kenya and upper eastern, we have a big problem. When you run from a bandit and run into a police officer; the same police officer will shoot you. Again, there are terrorists in some parts of northern Kenya. You run from a terrorist; you end up going to a police officer. You will get killed also.

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Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would like to comment on the statement by Sen. Cherarkey. I had an opportunity to represent Sen. Methu and Sen. Thang’wa when they were attacked at Ngonda and we went together to the office of IPOA. We took the vehicles there and wrote statements, but up to today, nothing has happened.

Police brutality is on the increase. I dare say, the police should not act in that manner and on several occasions, terrorise people in churches, roads and gatherings, yet the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 allows freedom of speech and gathering.

There is a big problem and we hope that no more killings will happen in political rallies. We saw what happened in Kitengela the other day. A very innocent young man killed by a police officer and tear gas launched. This was totally unnecessary. They may want to spend the tear gas they have so that they can buy others because we know there are people who procure tear gas in this country, but it should not be to the expense of people dying. The biggest responsibility the President and the CS for Interior and National Administration have is to protect the lives of Kenyans. That is the most important thing.

I agree with the people from the north. Recently, Sen. Chute took us there. Some people are telling us that we were taking a very big risk in that area. Anything could have happened to us any time. We want security for Kenyans, Members of Parliament and politicians. This attempted assassination of leaders should stop forthwith. This is what this committee should concentrate on.

So, we are watching out this time in Kakamega to see whether this PS will organise goons to disrupt the meetings as he did in Kitengela.

I support.

Asante Bwana Naibu Spika kwa kunipa nafasi nichangie kauli ya Sen. Omtatah kuhusu Wizara ya Barabara na mambo ya ujenzi wa daraja.

Ningeomba Wizara hiyo iangalie vizuri inapotengeneza Bill of Quantities (BQs) . Wanafa waangalie vile watakuwa wakifanya kazi inayofaa. Hii ni kwa sababu katika kaunti nyingi wamekuwa wakitayarisha BQ lakini daraja hazionekani kazi inapokamilika. Kwa mfano, upande wa Embu katika Manyatta Sub-county, Ruguru-Ngandori Ward, utakuta kuna Mwiria bridge na Mukongoro bridge ambazo zina matatizo. Sasa ni miaka kumi tangu barabaraba ilipowekwa lami lakina hizo daraja hazikuwekwa. Watu wanaanguka mtoni na wengine kuporwa mali. Ni afadhali wafanye kazi kidogo lakini wakimalizia watengeneze daraja.

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Sen. Olekina Ledama, please proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to make some brief comments on the issue of insecurity in Baragoi, Samburu County. It is quite sad to see one of our own break down into tears because of a situation that can be resolved by the government.

For many years, our communities have been terrorised and subjected to extreme measures and harsh conditions. We only remain relevant when it comes to voting. When it comes to elections, that is the only time when you will see a lot of heightened activities trooping into our areas.

I call upon the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to take this issue of insecurity seriously. When you hear that young boys were killed in a school, Baragoi Boys Secondary School, it begs the question as to really what exactly we are doing. What are our priorities in this country, if we cannot safeguard the future of young generations, and are letting young children be killed? The issue where people are marginalised for decades is something that has to come to an end.

We come to this House because this is supposed to be the House of union; that is supposed to unite the 47 counties. However, sometimes I feel like we might as well dissect this country into different parts, for some of us to go and become terrorists if we have to become. If we cannot be guaranteed security in this country, what is the point of saying that we are part of a country like this? We are only relevant during elections. However, when it comes to our welfare and the security of our people, we are the last people to be heard.

So, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this is really shameful. I call upon and encourage the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Sen. Cabinet Secretary Murkomen, please, this time around, let us be serious. Let us go to Samburu County. Let us go to Baragoi and apply the same tactics that were applied in Baringo County. It is embarrassing. We must call a spade a spade. What is happening in Baragoi in Samburu County is an issue of marginalisation. We cannot continue being marginalised in the 21st century. Those families that have been left without their future bread earners, young boys---

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, you should just allow me to talk.

Next is Sen. Lenku Ole Kanar.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 26

Add him one more minute.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in reference to the interference of police and killing of members of the public without any order, this House needs to request the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Interior and National Administration to withdraw before the House the statement that he made on the killing of people. Perhaps that is the reason why these killings are happening. It could also be due to the statement that the President made, saying that people should be shot in the legs. These people who are on the realm of security, the President and the Cabinet Secretary need to tell this House why these killings are happening. We are tired.

I heard that a young man in Kitengela just last weekend---

Thank you, Senator. Sen. Sifuna, please proceed. Sen. Onyonka, I have been informed that Sen. Sifuna had been dropped by the system.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. As a Member of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations, I find this inquiry quite hypocritical because the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has already told us the challenges that they are facing in bringing rogue police officers to account.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I will be able to demonstrate who we should be bringing before this Committee to give us a report. IPOA have cited lack of cooperation by the police in the investigations, including their refusal to surrender firearms and record statements. They have told us that they have inadequate funding and chronic understaffing. They have only 77 investigators who are supposed to be manning a police force, a full complement of over 125,000 officers. They have cited parallel investigations

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Sen. Richard Onyonka.

Sen. Richard Onyonka.

Asante Mheshimiwa Spika wa Muda. Kwanza nakushukuru kwa ujumbe uliotuma kwa WhatsApp yetu. Naomba Mwenyezi Mungu abariki mahali utakapokanyaga. Naamini utajiunga na Sen. Sifuna.

Kama ndugu zangu Sen. Lemaletian na Sen. Cherarkey walivyosema, kama viongozi lazima tujiulize kama tunataka nchi itakayoendelea hata baada ya sisi kutoka uongozini. Je, tungetaka kuwa viongozi ambao hata baada ya kuondoka uongozini hamna

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 28

Nakuongezea dakika moja tu umalize hoja yako.

Asante Bw. Spika wa Muda. Tunapenda tuwe na nchi tunayoheshimiana kama watu tunaokubaliana kuwa Kenya ni nchi ya kidemokrasia.

Sen. Danson Mungatana.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I want to comment on the statement by Sen. Okiya Omtatah on the bridges. There is a huge bridge crossing the Tana River and joining Garissa, where we neighbour with you. There is a problem. When these big projects are undertaken, our people are not compensated. The people in Madogo and the wider Mororo area have been displaced to date with no compensation whatsoever.

We urge the committee to look at the wider aspect of bridges and ensure that projects such as this enforce compensation for the local people. To date, they have lost their farmlands and livelihoods and they are not able to benefit from these projects to sustain themselves.

Sen. Catherine Mumma.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for the opportunity to contribute. I would like to contribute to three statements, beginning with the one from Sen. Hezena on the lady who lost her life after waiting three hours to be served in a Level 4 hospital. That is a very sad issue.

I would like to bring to the attention of Sen. Hezena that there is an inter-county programme working very well on maternal and perinatal death surveillance. It ensures accountability within counties, so that no life of a mother is lost during delivery. It also works towards ensuring no child’s life is lost during delivery.

Three counties have recorded zero maternal mortality in over six months. These are Homa Bay, Kiambu and Murang’a. I would urge that Senators considers linking Samburu County to that programme, so that they can borrow from the accountability system. This would enable workers in Samburu to log in and learn practices that can help reduce maternal and neonatal mortalities. On the statement---

Wow! Time is already up. How many minutes? Surely.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 29

One additional minute for her.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. We need to know why imported sugar is being packaged under our local brands. We also need to understand what makes commercial sense, so that farmers, especially small-scale farmers in Western Kenya, can determine whether we should ban sugarcane cultivation. I propose that we pick a day when we can ban the sugarcane and grow something else, instead of allowing cartels to bring in sugar while we waste our time pretending that we are promoting sugarcane farming.

Sen. Paul Thang’wa.

Thank you very much, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for the opportunity. I also want to comment on the statements. I am happy that we are now coming full circle. Some of the statements, especially the one requested by Sen. Cherarkey, reflect what we have been discussing here asking the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to do their job. The same concerns we have been raising about our meetings being tear-gassed and people being clobbered by the police are now being echoed. I am happy to see Sen. Osotsi and Sen. Sifuna speaking the same language. This shows that if it is not you today, it is you tomorrow.

As we speak, the people of Kiambu and Githurai are being harassed and intimidated by the police. It is helter-skelter in Githurai. The only mistake of the people was to come out in numbers and protest the demolitions carried out by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) . Their places of work are being demolished.

I ask myself, how this regime can claim every day that they are empowering the people, yet during the day they give handouts and promises, but at night they carry out demolitions and evictions. It is as if they are reclaiming the handouts they gave by destroying people’s businesses. The people of Githurai will not relent. I urge them to continue demonstrating today, tomorrow and even on Saturday.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we know KeNHA is not building the bus stop. What they are doing is preparing the road for cartels to put containers on that road. The people of Kiambu are saying; we are not going to keep quiet and we ask the police to stop forthwith harassing the people of Kiambu, Ruiru, Githurai and Thika because we are going to protest and we are going to fight.

Thank you, Senator. Senators, we have spent a lot of time on statements, but I will allow the last two speakers.

You are not on the dashboard, Senior Counsel. Sen. Julius Murgor.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 30

Thank you Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I would like to comment on two statements. One made by Sen. Dullo and the other one by Sen. Hezena.

On Sen. Hezena's statement, I would like to address and seek the attention of the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration. Samburu has cried for far too long without anything happening and I commend the Cabinet Secretary for paying close attention when our priest was killed. Unfortunately, sad about it, but it seems like that is what brought peace between the Pokot and the Marakwet. Do we need another priest in Samburu? He should take action and make sure that this thing comes to an end because we cannot continue counting people dying in Samburu. He should do exactly what he did between the Pokot and the Marakwet.

Secondly, on the people that were dismissed by the County Government of Isiolo, it is unfortunate that county governments are treating people like people in their shambas. They are mistreating them and treating them---

Sen. Cherarkey.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, just in one minute, I would like say that on the issue of JSS interns, it is unfair to the more than 20,000 young Kenyans under the JSS programme. There must be a process of ensuring that we put into focus them being put in permanent and pensionable status by the TSC.

I am disappointed and I call upon the TSC because I also I know we are presenting the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) . Money should be allocated for transition from contract to permanent and pensionable terms because they have suffered for far too long. We have talked, but we need to see action. The National Assembly must and should ensure they give money to the TSC.

Finally, on Sen. Lemaletian’s statement on the issue of insecurity, I am surprised that people are shocked by the incompetence and inability of Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen on eradicating the issue of mandatory--- He did Jukwaa la Usalama worth Kshs600 million, but nothing came out because he turned Jukwaa la Usalama to Jukwaa la Siasa. The buck stops with him. He must fix the issue of banditry and insecurity.

Finally, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would like to wish you well. I have seen the Samawatal community have endorsed you as the gubernatorial candidate in Garissa elections in 2027. We pray that may God continue to guide you until you become the governor for Garissa and correct the mess that has been perpetuated by the current regime. I thank you and I yield back.

Thank you, Senator. Sen. Mariam Omar-Sheikh.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity. I will comment on two statements. The first one is by Sen. Hezena about insecurity.

Currently, pastoralists have devastating drought which makes them to move around looking for pasture and water. If there is a security issue, where do we go to? Do we go to Somalia and this is Kenya?

As a pastoralist, the first thing we think about is how to save our livestock by moving around with it. You will find that the county you are staying in is having

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Sen. Joe Nyutu.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. I rise to support the statements by Sen. Cherarkey. The first on IPOA. This body is basically sleeping on the job or it is working under coercion from high forces. This is because the police will attack innocent people and IPOA will do nothing about it.

In July last year, I happened to be in a meeting that was attacked by the police and vehicles shot at. We only escaped through God's grace. All these vehicles were taken to IPOA for inspection and the victims recorded statements. Nothing has come out of that. It is high time that IPOA came out and said whether they are empowered or not, so that at least this House and the other House may come to the aid of IPOA. Otherwise, we cannot continue having IPOA that is toothless. If they have no teeth, they have to admit that, so that we can give them teeth to bite.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, on the second statement by the Senator, the rise in organised criminal gang activities in the country is something that should not go uncommented on. Gangs are roaming the streets and what the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration is doing is going out there and doing politics on who will or will not be elected president. He must rise to the occasion. These criminal gangs are a result of what we saw in July last year again when there were protests in Nairobi; where we saw gangs being accompanied by the police. The police were working alongside those---

Thank you, Senator. Your time is up.

Proceed, Sen. Omogeni.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you know, we are paying the price of violating the intent of Kenyans, when in 2010, they decreed that our cabinet secretaries should be professionals. We have now turned politicians to be the ones standing in as cabinet secretaries and they are doing politics.

You can imagine that this statement has been brought to the House by Samson Cherarkey from the majority side, the government side. If you see that Senators from the majority side are raising these issues, then that means things are getting out of hand. How many times do we want Kenyans to be killed before we take action?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this weekend, we have people going to various places in this country, such as Kakamega and some will be in Kisii next week. We will then come back here, again, lamenting that innocent Kenyans have been killed. We must have some accountability. If it is the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration who is masterminding this idea of police sending goons to attack other Kenyans, action should be taken.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 32

Thank you, Sen. Omogeni. Hon. Senators, we have come to the end of the Statements. We should proceed to the next Order. However, Order No.8 will be deferred because the Senate Majority Leader is not around. Order No. 9 is also deferred.

So, we will move on to the next Order.

Clerk, please, read the next Order.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 33

Hon. Senators, this is resumption of the debate that was held on Wednesday. The Senator who was on the Floor of the House was Crystal Asige and she had a remainder of 15 minutes.

Sen. Crystal Asige, you may proceed.

Thank you very much, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Yes, I was indeed on the Floor when we were debating this and I kindly request that I just have a few more minutes to get back to my notes, so that I can continue with that submission.

Yes, very well. How many minutes do you need?

Sen. Crystal, we seem not to have any other interest in that debate, so if you could please retrieve your notes and we can proceed or advise us.

Sen. Crystal Asige, are you going to contribute?

Yes, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

Okay, very well.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I will just finish my contributions. It will be very brief.

Thank you very much, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for your indulgence. Yesterday, as I was contributing, I was giving the House a brief on this particular petition brought by petitioners from the former KCC, now known as the New KCC. This is an issue that many Kenyans will, of course, relate to, because unfortunately, matters of labor or wrongfully dispensing of labor issues in the country are rampant and continue to be this way.

As I sit as the Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare in the Senate, this is an issue that we have been investigating for several months now. Unfortunately, it is not the first time that these petitioners have brought this case to the Senate. They have indeed brought the same petition in previous parliaments and, unfortunately, have not been able to find any justice for their matters.

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Thank you, Senator. Next is Sen. Omogeni.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I also rise to support the report that has been brought before the House by the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. For some of us who went to school when KCC was KCC, we remember those cadre of workers in the 1980s. I believe there could be some who were working for KCC in the 1980s, who used to deliver school milk to primary school children, during the Nyayo era.

Remember when the programme was introduced by the late President Moi and school children were being given milk. Those are the people who used to travel with the trucks to deliver milk to schools and we were all happy. We used to look forward to going to school because we would get packets of milk.

I am now a Senator several years after and we are discussing about people who retired and have been waiting for their dues for the past 20 years. Sen. Murgor, the Chairperson, chances are that those people will die before they enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Some of the things we do in this country are completely inhuman. If Jesus Christ was to come today, very few of us would go to heaven. How do you deny workers their rights? Those are people who served the country with distinction. If there is a time that we need to speak to the Government of the day, which is the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Administration---

The committee has made life easy for them. We have given them a through pass, so to speak, and recommended that they pay those workers, so that we also put a smile on their faces. After I have served my tenure in this House, once you retire, you want to go home with your dues.

I was cracking a joke the other day with Hon. Malala. I told him I hope the UDA Party paid him his dues because in the committee, we have been dealing with issues of

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 36

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Thank you, Senator.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 39

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker. I am very thankful to all the Senators who contributed to this Motion. They have contributed very positively with concern for the people that worked for former Kenya Cooperative Cremaries (KCC) . As Sen. Omogeni has said, this is a group of people that really delivered, especially at the time of the late President Moi.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No.66 (3) , I request you to defer the putting of the question to a later date.

Thank you.

Hon. Senators, since we do not have the numbers, we will defer the putting of the question and move to the next order.

Clerk.

Since there is no interest to debate, Sen. Peris Tobiko, you can move to reply.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. As I reply, let me thank the Members who contributed to this Bill. I saw the passion and the interest of Members in the passage of this Bill. My special gratitude to Sen. Mungatana, who seconded the Bill and moved very passionately and even added a lot more, you know, to the contribution that I had made. When he was talking, he reminded us about the world and the direction the world has gone in terms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and talked about robots. I think he said he saw this in China or somewhere like that and it reminded me, the other day I was in the United States of America (USA) and I saw robots actually replacing doctors. They are now having AI doctors, to treat, organise, you know, the people. So, because of the world going digital, going AI and electronic equipment is getting into the market in all forms. It implies that we need to then get a way to manage what will be churned out eventually, because everything has a lifespan, and these machines will not be operational forever.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 40

Thank you, Senator. The putting of the question and division is hereby deferred and we shall move to the next order, Clerk.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 41

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I rise to second the Motion moved by Hon. Murgor the Chairperson of the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.

I congratulate Sen. Murgor and the committee for taking their time to listen to Mr. Titus Njoroge who brought in a petition on his rights. As a result of approaching the Committee and Labour and Social Welfare, this matter was quickly resolved and he was able to get what is rightfully his. This speaks to the weight, gravity and respect that this House bears when citizens in this Republic suffer from different injustices. When institutions fail to give citizens what they desire, the Senate of the Republic of Kenya, will stand with the citizens of this Republic and their rights will be affirmed, like they did for Mr. Njoroge, in his petition to the Senate.

What more can I say but to also congratulate the AIC which was involved in this matter because Mr. Titus Njoroge had come to make a complaint against the church on account of issues relating to the labour contract that existed between himself and the church.

That church is where I was brought up and where I went to Sunday school. The AIC in Ngao, which is the biggest AIC church in Tana River County, is where I received my baptismal certificate. I am very proud to say that our church went out of its way and settled this matter without much ado. This speaks to the kind of leadership that exists in the AIC. It started many years ago, in 1895 as the African Inland Mission. It was started by a Scottish-American missionary whose name was Peter Scott. When we were growing up, my father, who, although he had his own work, who was an elder in the church, always used to talk about the Scott Bible College in Machakos. I did not know why they venerated Mr. Peter Scott just to learn that Peter Scott was the Scottish-American missionary who came, established this mission as a Protestant church, and it has grown to be one of the biggest.

During the days of President Moi, this was one church where he continuously attended, and this church continues to add a lot to the Kenyan society. The very famous Kijabe Mission Hospital belongs to this church, and it has assisted many people. Many people have got extremely good service at Kijabe Mission Hospital at a very reasonable price.

So, I thank this church for the work they have done and continue to do. We hope they will continue in that same spirit. In the event that there are disputes, then they will be able to resolve them in the manner this one has done.

We appeal to all Kenyans of goodwill. Whenever you have disputes, please try and resolve them where you can, but if things become difficult, you have your Senate in the Republic of Kenya to stand with you, as we did for in case.

I thank and congratulate the Chairperson and his committee for the work they have done. I beg to second.

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 42

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I rise to second the Motion moved by Hon. Murgor the Chairperson of the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare.

I congratulate Sen. Murgor and the committee for taking their time to listen to Mr. Titus Njoroge who brought in a petition on his rights. As a result of approaching the Committee and Labour and Social Welfare, this matter was quickly resolved and he was able to get what is rightfully his. This speaks to the weight, gravity and respect that this House bears when citizens in this Republic suffer from different injustices. When institutions fail to give citizens what they desire, the Senate of the Republic of Kenya, will stand with the citizens of this Republic and their rights will be affirmed, like they did for Mr. Njoroge, in his petition to the Senate.

What more can I say but to also congratulate the AIC which was involved in this matter because Mr. Titus Njoroge had come to make a complaint against the church on account of issues relating to the labour contract that existed between himself and the church.

That church is where I was brought up and where I went to Sunday school. The AIC in Ngao, which is the biggest AIC church in Tana River County, is where I received my baptismal certificate. I am very proud to say that our church went out of its way and settled this matter without much ado. This speaks to the kind of leadership that exists in the AIC. It started many years ago, in 1895 as the African Inland Mission. It was started by a Scottish-American missionary whose name was Peter Scott. When we were growing up, my father, who, although he had his own work, who was an elder in the church, always used to talk about the Scott Bible College in Machakos. I did not know why they venerated Mr. Peter Scott just to learn that Peter Scott was the Scottish-American missionary who came, established this mission as a Protestant church, and it has grown to be one of the biggest.

During the days of President Moi, this was one church where he continuously attended, and this church continues to add a lot to the Kenyan society. The very famous Kijabe Mission Hospital belongs to this church, and it has assisted many people. Many people have got extremely good service at Kijabe Mission Hospital at a very reasonable price.

So, I thank this church for the work they have done and continue to do. We hope they will continue in that same spirit. In the event that there are disputes, then they will be able to resolve them in the manner this one has done.

We appeal to all Kenyans of goodwill. Whenever you have disputes, please try and resolve them where you can, but if things become difficult, you have your Senate in the Republic of Kenya to stand with you, as we did for in case.

I thank and congratulate the Chairperson and his committee for the work they have done. I beg to second.

Sen. Peris Tobiko please proceed.

There being no Senators interested to debate---

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 43

Hon. Senators, I will propose the Question.

I call upon the Mover to reply.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to reply.

The Chairperson, the Senate

The Chairperson, The Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, please proceed.

The Chairperson, The Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, please proceed.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I beg to move the Motion-

THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a Petition to the Senate by Ms. Beatrice Likwop concerning people living with invisible disability, laid on the Table of the Senate on Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025.

Madam Temporary Speaker, a Petition was submitted to the Senate through the Clerk, by Ms. Beatrice Likwop, on behalf of individuals living with invisible disabilities. It was read to the Senate by the Speaker on Wednesday, 2nd, October, 2024 and subsequently referred to the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Welfare for consideration in accordance with the Standing Orders.

The Petition raised concerns that persons living with invisible disabilities were insufficiently recognised and included in Government policies and programmes, at both

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Who is seconding that Motion?

I ask Sen. Mungatana to second.

Sen. Mungatana.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I beg to second the Motion by the honourable Chairman, Sen. Murgor. I start by congratulating him for the abled manner in which he has chaired this committee, the way they have handled the report and engaged all stakeholders and the manner in which he has tabled and moved this Motion. I thank him for the work they have done.

Sen. Murgor and his committee have raised a very serious matter affecting many Kenyans. There are disabilities that are visible, but there are also invisible disabilities. People may look fine, but they are not. This Motion seeks recognition that there are disabilities which are invisible. That within the broader community of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) , even under the Persons Living with Disabilities Act, there is a need to disaggregate and make it clear that some disabilities cannot be visibly recognised.

This committee is dealing with a real and practical issue. There was a police officer who was discharged from service because he ran away after witnessing all his colleagues being killed by bandits. This man simply ran home and never returned. In a particular television clip, he was shown carrying stones and was asked why he was there. He answered that he was a qualified police officer. However, three years ago, he saw death staring at him and ran away. They asked him to salute and march and he did.

That is not an officer who should have been fired. He ought to have been rehabilitated. When you looked at him, he appeared fine, going about his normal business carrying stones. I thank God that he was found. It was said that he would be taken for rehabilitation and given back his job. I congratulate the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) , Mr. Kanja, for this because it happened recently. It is not theoretical.

Therefore, what the Senate committee is dealing with is a reality. There are people suffering from autism. When you meet an autistic person, you may not know they are autistic, but they carry an invisible disability. There are those who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) . They may look fine, but they are not. Others suffer from epilepsy or dyslexia. They have a slow learning capacity. When such children are taken to school, they are discriminated against and treated differently, as if they are not school children. Some have even been told by their teachers that they will never amount to anything, yet they are suffering from slow learning capacity.

Madam Temporary Speaker, it has taken ages to identify these conditions and deal with them. It is good that we are now moving to the next stage. What the petitioner brought before the Senate is a request that the invisible disabilities be properly recognised

February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 46

Hon. Senators, I do not see any interest. I now call upon the Mover to reply.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for this opportunity. I would like to thank my colleague, Sen. Mungatana, for seconding this Motion because he has highlighted the situation. Some of us do not know and recognise this situation as having a problem because as he has said, some of the people act normally and you cannot tell that they are suffering, but they are there and they are many.

Therefore, this Motion seeks to recognise those people, so that they can get adequate services even from health services wherever they are.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to reply and pursuant to Standing Order No.66 (3) , I request you to defer putting the question to this Motion to a later date.

I thank you.

Thank you, Sen. Murgor. The putting of the question is so deferred.

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We also do not have the necessary quorum to transact Orders No.23 to Order No.30. We do not also have the movers present to actually move them.

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Hon. Senators, there being no other business on the Order Paper, the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, 24th February 2026 at 2.30 p.m.

The Senate adjourned at 5:51 p.m.