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THIRTEENTH PARLIAMENT
Fifth Session
Thurday, 19th February, 2026 at 2.30 p.m.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1
PARLIAMENT OF KENYA
Thursday, 19th February, 2026
The House met at the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings at 2.32 p.m.
PRAYER
DETERMINATION OF QUORUM AT COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING
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.
PAPERS LAID
Proceed, Senate Majority Leader or any Whip who is around.
We are in the broad-based Government. Sen. Olekina, table those Papers. The Minority Leader is here, but it is okay. The Minority Whip can-----
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.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 2
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 thank you for allowing me. Probably our fears are that they are organising to disrupt rallies scheduled for the weekend. It could be the reason they have been kept away from here.
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.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 3
Now, the Speaker made that determination because you are not the Speaker. So, let us not waste time. I think the problem is that you are getting too old.
The issue here is that we proceed and do the work, and not waste time. So, allow me to proceed without wasting time. These are points of annoyance, they are not points of order. We are just beginning.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
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.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 4
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, can you protect me? We removed him for non- performance, for undermining the functionality of the majority party and the party felt it. So, he should just go home to Malinya and play what we call bullfighting there. I yield.
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.
PAPERS LAID
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate today, Thursday, 19th February, 2026-
REPORTS OF THE AUDITOR-GENERAL ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF VARIOUS ENTITIES
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Mrima Maternity Level 4 Hospital, Mombasa County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Taita Taveta County Assembly Members Car Loan and Mortgage Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Samburu Sub- County Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kwale for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Moi (Voi) County Referral Hospital, Taita Taveta County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Special Municipality of Mwatate, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kapkoros Level 3A Hospital, County Government of Bomet, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Lodwar Municipality, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Trans Nzoia County Executive Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Turkana County Assembly Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund (staff), for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Engineer Municipality, County Government of Nyandarua, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nyandarua County Agricultural Institutions Revolving Fund, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kimbimbi Sub-County Level 4 Hospital- County Government of Kirinyaga, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nyandarua Water and Sanitation Company Limited, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kerugoya Kutus Municipality, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 5
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Tetu Water and Sanitation PLC, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Lake Ol’Bolossat Sports Tourism and Conservation Half Marathon Fund – County Government of Nyandarua, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nyandarua County Health Facility Improvement Financing Fund, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Ibacho Level 4 Hospital – County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kendu Bay Municipality, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Homa Bay County Emergency Fund, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Igegania Level 4 Hospital - County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Mathare North Level 4 Hospital - Nairobi City County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Njiru Hospital - Nairobi City County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Mama Margaret Uhuru Kenyatta Level 5 Hospital - Nairobi City County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Marani District Hospital - County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kisii County Health Facilities Improvement Fund, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Migori County Executive Car Loan and Mortgage Fund, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Migori County Health Service Fund - County Government of Migori, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Othoro Level 4 Hospital (Rachuonyo) - County Government of Homa Bay, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Rachuonyo East Sub- County Level 4 Hospital - County Government of Homa Bay, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Magunga Level 4 Hospital – County Government of Homa Bay, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kisii County Alcoholic Drinks Control Fund, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Masimba Sub-County Hospital - County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Othoro Sub-County Hospital - County Government of Migori, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Ibeno Level 4 Hospital - County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 6
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nyamache level 4 Hospital - County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kericho County Referral Hospital, County Government of Kericho for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Iyabe Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Gucha Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kiogoro Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Iranda Sub- County Referral Hospital, County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kenyenya Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Manga Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Nyamira, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nyamasibi Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kisii, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Isebania Sub-County Hospital, Migori County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Awendo Sub- County Hospital, Migori County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Lumumba Sub- County Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kisumu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on University of Eldoret Endowment Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nandi County Executive Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund, County Government on Nandi, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Turbo Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Uasin Gishu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kisegi Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Homa Bay, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Rongo Sub- County Hospital, County Government of Migori, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Thika Level 5 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Lusigetti Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Lari Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Mbagathi County Referral Hospital, Nairobi City County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kiambu County Assembly Staff Loan Scheme Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 7
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kiambu County Health Services Facility Improvement Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kiambu County Alcoholic Drink Control Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kiambu County Assembly Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nairobi City County Alcoholic Control and Licensing Board for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Uriri Sub-County Hospital, County Government of Migori, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Ndhiwa Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Homa Bay, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nyamaraga Sub County Hospital, County Government of Migori, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Karungu Sub-County Hospital, County Government of Migori, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Miriu Level 4 Hospital, Homa Bay County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Pala Level 4 Hospital, Homa Bay County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Tom Mboya Memorial Level 4 Hospital, Homa Bay County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Turkana County Assembly (Members) Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Sena Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Homa Bay, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nyangiela Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Homa Bay, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Makongeni Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Homa Bay, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Muhuru Sub- County Hospital, Migori County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Bomet Water and Sanitation Company Limited for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Mairo-Inya Municipality, County Government of Nyandarua, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Murang’a West Water and Sanitation Company Ltd for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Trans Nzoia, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Chepareria Sub-County Level 4 Hospital, County Government of West Pokot, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Sigor Sub- County Level 4 Hospital, County Government of West Pokot, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 8
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Sigor Sub-County Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Bomet, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Samburu Teaching and Referral Hospital, County Government of Samburu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Nanyuki Municipality, County Government of Laikipia, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kalacha Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Marsabit, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Equalisation Fund, County Government of West Pokot, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements Turkana County Government Equalisation Fund for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Gatamathi Water and Sanitation Limited for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kakuma Municipality for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Maralal Municipality, County Government of Samburu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Suguta Sub-County Hospital, County Government of Samburu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Maragua Sub-County Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Murang’a, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Kigumo Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Wangige Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Tigoni Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Ruiru Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Karatu Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Pumwani Maternity Referral Hospital, Nairobi City County Government, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Wangige Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Kiambu, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Taveta Sub-County Level 4 Hospital, County Government of Taita Taveta, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
Report of the Auditor-General on financial statements on Alupe Sub-County Hospital, County Government of Busia, for the year ended 30th June, 2025.
The county government governors expect you to go through this in a day. Thank you, I Table.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 9
Thank you, Sen. Ledama.
QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS
STATEMENTS
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.
UNLAWFUL REMOVAL OF STAFF FROM ISIOLO COUNTY PAYROLL
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-
- The circumstances under which the affected staff were removed from the assembly payroll and denied salary and benefits, including the dates of removal, the reasons cited and the offices that authorised the action.
- Whether the affected staff were subjected to any disciplinary or administrative process prior to the payroll removal, including issuance of written notices, communication of reasons and the opportunity to be heard in accordance with applicable public service procedures.
- Whether the payroll removal and the denial of salaries constitute victimisation, retaliation, discrimination or other unlawful labor practices, including in relation to employees who may have reported wrongdoing or declined to participate in improper practices and safeguards in places to prevent such conduct.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 10
- The current employment and payroll status of each affected officer, including their designation, date of appointment, whether they remain in active service and the basis for maintaining or altering their status.
- The remedial measures being undertaken by the county assembly to address any unlawfulness or procedural defects, including reinstatement to payroll where appropriate and the timeline for implementation.
- The plan and timelines for payment of all salary arrears and attendant benefits owed to the affected staff, including statutory deductions and pension-related remittances and measures to prevent recurrence, through strengthened HR payroll controls and accountability mechanisms. Thank you.
Very well. Next, Sen. Mundigi Alexander.
PEST THREAT TO MUGUKA FARMING IN EMBU COUNTY
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-
- The extent of the pests infestation affecting muguka crops in Embu county.
- The immediate measures undertaken to control the pests, including whether agricultural extension support services have been availed to farmers and access to approved pesticide providers.
- The immediate and long-term infestation plan to protect and sustain muguka farming in the affected areas.
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.
STATUS OF IPOA INVESTIGATIONS INTO EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLINGS AND POLICE ABUSE
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
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 11
concern regarding the status of investigations by IPOA into extrajudicial killings and abuse of police authority across the country.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, over the years, numerous incidences of police custody, police brutality and unlawful killings have been reported, many of which remain unresolved despite public announcements of investigations. These include, among others, the killing of residents in Kimwani area, Tinderet Constituency, Nandi County during police operations, the killing of two brothers in Kyangoma in Embu during the enforcement of COVID-19 curfew, the death of Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody, the assault of youths playing pool in Nandi Hills Town, Nandi County and the fatal shooting of a Karatina businessman under unclear circumstances in Nyeri County. Additional cases have been full bodies recovered from River Yala and deaths linked to police shootings during protests in Nairobi, Kisumu among other counties.
In the statement, the Committee should address the following-
- The number and current status of pending IPOA investigations into extrajudicial killings and abuse of police authority nationwide, including how long each case has remained under investigation and the reason for delays in concluding many IPOA investigations.
- The extent of coordination between the IPOA and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and other relevant agencies to ensure timely prosecution and accountability outcomes.
- The measures in place to ensure victims' families are updated on the progress of investigations and given support.
- The safeguards applied to prevent further abuse of authority by officers under investigation, pending the conclusion of independent policing oversight authority inquiries and the steps being taken to strengthen IPOA's effectiveness, independence and public credibility.
RISE IN ORGANISED CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITIES
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-
- Whether the Government has launched an inquiry into the rise in organised criminal activities in the country and if so, obtained information on the agencies involved.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 12
- How the armed gangs are able to acquire firearms for use in their illegal activities and the actions being undertaken to disrupt the supply chain of the said arms.
- The immediate steps being taken to dismantle existing gangs and prosecute their members as well as measures in place to strengthen intelligence gathering, community policing and inter-agency collaboration in order to prevent the resurgence of similar gangs.
- The initiatives being implemented by the Government to address youth unemployment, poverty and socioeconomic factors that contribute to the proliferation of organized criminal gangs. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank you and yield.
Next is Sen. Andrew Omtatah Okoiti.
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE, PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT AND PATIENT SAFETY CONCERNS AT SINAI HOSPITAL, KAJIADO COUNTY
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-
- The circumstances surrounding the diagnosis, induction or delivery, management of bleeding and retained placenta, theatre decisions and whether appropriate emergency obstetric care and referral protocols were followed; and the timelines leading to eventual referral and escalation of care.
- Whether medical practitioners who were on duty and managed the patient were qualified and licensed, including compliance with scope of practice requirements
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 13
and whether informed consent, counselling and communication were adequate and properly documented.
- The accuracy and traceability of ultrasound or diagnostic reports, and other clinical documentation and whether the patient was accorded timely access to her medical records and reports upon request in accordance with the law and applicable patient rights standards.
- Whether similar complaints or adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes have previously been reported at Sinai Hospital, including statistics for the last 24 months, including-
- the number of maternity admissions, deliveries, referrals and maternal near- miss cases at Sinai Hospital; (ii) the number of maternal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths reported at the facility; (iii) the number and nature of complaints lodged against the facility with county and national health authorities and regulators and their resolution status; (iv) licensing and inspection status, maternity and theatre staffing levels by cadre and shift coverage, emergency referral arrangements and access to blood and other critical supplies for emergency obstetric care.
- The actions taken by the County Government of Kajiado and national health authorities in response to the case of Ms. Rachel Letitoya, including any investigations or administrative actions undertaken, measures for redress and compensation and the steps taken to address any previous complaints or similar cases touching on the quality of care and patient safety at Sinai Hospital, Rongai. I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. My second statement is on the construction of bridges obstructing waterway navigation and economic activities.
CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES OBSTRUCTING WATERWAY NAVIGATION AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53(1), to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing on a matter of national concern regarding the construction of bridges that obstruct water transport navigation and related economic activities.
The construction of road bridges across rivers, lakes and coastal waters has raised widespread concern, specifically where such infrastructure obstructs water transport and undermines the livelihoods of fishing and trading communities. Such a project risks violating constitutional guarantees on socio-economic rights, sustainable resource use and proper public participation, while also raising questions about adherence to engineering and environmental standards.
In the statement, the Committee should address the following-
- Provide a list of bridges constructed over navigable waters in the last 10 years, indicating whether navigational clearance was factored into their designs.
- Whether standards, policies and design manuals were applied to ensure safe passage of water vessels during bridge construction.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 14
- Whether environmental and social impact assessments adequately address the needs of water transport, adequately address the needs of water transport users and fishing communities.
- The measures being taken to mitigate adverse socio-economic effects on affected communities, including possible retrofitting of existing bridges.
- The policy interventions being implemented to ensure future projects accommodate both road and water transport in line with inclusive and sustainable development principles. Thank you, Deputy Speaker, Sir.
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.
RESPONSIVENESS AND QUALITY OF CARE AT SUGUTA LEVEL 4 HOSPITAL, SAMBURU COUNTY
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-
- The circumstances under which the late Mrs. Mary Nasaion died at Suguta Level 4 Hospital on the 13th February, 2026.
- Emergency response readiness and competence of staff, including staffing cadres and credentials of the personnel on duty and protocol used in maternal emergencies.
- The measures taken by the County Government of Samburu and the hospital management following the incident to address underlying constraints affecting the quality of care at the hospital.
- The applicable compensation framework and provision of psychosocial support to the family. I thank you. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, my next statement.
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-
- Restore calm and assure residents of Samburu County of their safety;
- Prevent retaliatory attacks and counter-revenge violence;
- Deploy adequate security personnel to the affected areas; and last but not least,
- Apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the heinous acts. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
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-
- The number of JSS teachers currently employed and posted in Kitui County, disaggregated by ward and constituency.
- The approved staffing establishment and total number of JSS teachers required in Kitui County and what measures the Ministry of Education is taking to address the existing shortage, given that many JSS institutions in the county have only one or two teachers handling the entire Grade 7 to 9 workload.
- Steps the Ministry of Education is taking to confirm the already employed JSS teachers in Kitui County and across the country whose contracts have expired and to transition them to Permanent and Pensionable (PnP) terms, noting that salary discrepancies between deployed PnP and JSS teachers are causing demotivation.
- plans by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to address non-payment and delays in hardship allowances to JSS teachers given that large parts of Kitui County are gazetted as hardship areas, yet many JSS teachers posted in Kitui County are not receiving hardship allowances. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I will read a personal statement under Standing Order No.52(1).
ILLEGAL, DANGEROUS, UNREGULATED AND UNSUSTAINABLE SAND HARVESTING AND DEGRADATION OF RIVERBEDS IN KITUI COUNTY
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
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 18
already arid and semi-arid county, undermining livelihoods, degrading our environment and exposing residents to serious socio-economic and security risks.
Kitui has previously borne the brunt of ecological harm from deforestation and charcoal trade with forest cover nearly wiped out. It is, therefore, deeply troubling that after forests have been degraded, the destruction has now shifted to our rivers, the very systems that sustain water availability, ecosystems, agriculture and resilience in an Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) context.
The sand trade is being conducted with shocking impunity in broad daylight and into the night, seven days a week. It is a stark illustration of greed, displeasing reason and lawlessness crowding out public interest. The people of Kitui are crying out not about a minor localised grievance, but about a countywide crisis that touches roads and public safety, health outcomes, school retention, economic survival and the future of the county’s environmental stability.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on 23rd December, 2025, I addressed the media, both local, national and international on this subject and raised specific questions demanding accountability and transparency from the County Executive of Kitui. When the County Government Executive later appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), under the able leadership of Sen. M. Kajwang’ on 3rd February, 2026, the County Director of Revenue reportedly stated that at times, there are only about five trucks transporting sand from Kitui rivers.
That statement was not only inconsistent, but the position is unacceptable. Restoration of our rivers cannot be deferred indefinitely while degradation accelerates daily. The devastation is not only environmental, it has spawned grave social harms. Residents report dust pollution, road accidents and fatalities linked to heavy truck traffic and disturbing night time exploitation around sand harvesting areas, including teenage pregnancies and school dropouts.
It is further reported that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections have been recorded in some affected areas linked to the illegal night activities around the sand sites. The security situation has also worsened. It is reported that cartels ferried armed gangsters who descended on residents around Mwania River in Mwingi's Central Constituency, killing one man named Mwendwa Maluki, maiming many people and raping women. This is the predictable consequence of a lawless extraction economy that thrives on intimidation, corruption and weak oversight.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, while the Kitui County Assembly enacted the Kitui County Sand Harvesting Law as an attempt to instil order in this sector, the reality remains that laws without enforcement become paper tigers. The people of Kitui are watching institutions fail them.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has a presence in Kitui, yet while the Authority is active in smaller compliance matters, it has maintained studious silence on the large-scale destruction of forests and rivers in the County, despite its duty to act decisively to protect the environment. Questions have also been raised on the role that broader environmental partners should play, including the United Nations Environment Programme Unit (UNEP) given its global environmental mandate and presence in Kenya.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 19
Perhaps most disturbing is the defiance of a valid court order. On 9th October, 2024, the Kitui Land Court issued an Order stopping illegal sand harvesting activities until a petition, filed by residents of Mui River Basin is heard and determined and that the Officer Commanding the Station (OCS) in Nguni was directed to enforce that order yet, destruction within the Mui River Basin is taking place at a more dangerous rate than before the order was issued, despite Nguni Police Station being operational and an OCS being in office.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, defiance of court orders is not a local administrative lapse, it is an assault on the rule of law and a signal to cartels that they can operate above the constitution.
The people of Kitui have asked me to plead with you to take this matter seriously and give it the urgency it deserves. They have urged that the Senate considers an official visit to at least four affected rivers in Kitui County, so that Senators may see firsthand the scale of destruction, hear residents and appreciate the extent of institutional failure and cartel intimidation.
Kitui County is an arid and semi-arid county, yet we are now at the verge of being turned into a desert by the pace and scale of degradation taking place in our rivers. In view of the foregoing, I urge that this House, through the relevant committees, urgently intervenes and requires accountability and corrective action from all responsible actors.
The County Executive of Kitui on enforcement of county law, disclosure of track registers, revenue systems and safeguards against leakage; the relevant national security agencies on cartel violence and insecurity linked to sand harvesting zones; NEMA on the enforcement of environmental safeguards and protection of river ecosystems and the OCS Nguni and the relevant security command on compliance with the court order issued on 9th October, 2024.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I conclude, the question before us is not whether sand is a valuable resource, it is whether we will allow greed, cartels and weak enforcement to destroy the future of Kitui County. What shall we bequeath our children and our children's children?
I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
Very well. Sen. Sifuna Edwin, proceed.
LAPSE OF THE COMESA SUGAR SAFEGUARD REGIME
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
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 20
regarding the lapse of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) sugar safeguard regime and its impact on the sugar sector in Kenya.
The Government has indicated that the sugar sector in the country has attained competitive levels and will not experience any disruption following the lapse of the COMESA sugar safeguard regime on 30th November, 2025. However, the declining interest in sugarcane growing within the larger population, coupled with the old production mills in the sugar belt, may undermine the sustainability of the perceived competitiveness.
In the statement, the Committee should address the following-
- The total acreage of land currently under sugarcane cultivation compared to the data from 2023 and 2024 and obtain information on the strategies being implemented to encourage sugarcane farming and sustain its growth.
- The projected local sugar production in 2026 vis-à-vis the estimated domestic consumption demand in the year.
- The anticipated tonnage of sugar imports for 2026, including details on the quantities already in shipment to Kenya or at the port awaiting clearance and offloading.
- The measures in place to address any anticipated shortfalls or surplus, particularly with regard to locally produced sugar
- How farmers will be protected from the unscrupulous traders who import sugar and repackage it as locally produced sugar. I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.
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.
Before I make my comments and with your kind permission, may I inform the Senate and yourself, if you may not be aware, that Kenya is hosting The magical Kenya Open 2026 and we have started on a very high note. That is like the World Cup of Golf. We have about 144 professional golfers who are playing in the 2026 Kenya Open. I ask you, Mr. Deputy Speaker and my colleagues, the Members of this Senate, to go out and cheer our 11 participants from Kenya who will be participating in that particular competition in Karen.
This morning, we got extremely impressive results from Njoroge Kibuku, who has played four-under. Well, you have to acquaint yourself with that language. The prize money for this year, so that you understand what our boys are chasing, the winner will actually get a total of Kshs62 million.
For the last three years, Kenya has not been very successful because we have never qualified. We have never made it to the main competition or we have never made the cut. Maybe finally on this, may I also inform you that I might have been, I am not
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 21
very sure, but I might have been the first Senator and the first person from Njabini, I am very sure, the first person from Njabini in Kinangop to ever play in the Kenya Open, the pro-arm. I played there yesterday and I posted very good results. It is only one person who actually pulled us behind, former Chairman of Parkland Sports Club, Mr. Michael Ndegwa Muchemi, who was not able to be as good as myself. Others would have brought the prize for the Senate.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, allow me to comment on this statement that has been sought by Sen. Cherarkey. I do not know why - I want the Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations that is led by Sen. Dullo to actually put their foot forward in ensuring that at least we can get answers to this particular statement. If there is a body in my opinion that I think is extremely moribund is this body that is called the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). Every time, and you actually saw them here, when Albert Ojwang’ was killed, the vice-chairperson of that particular authority was here. The things that they promised this House; nothing has actually happened. We actually keep hearing every day, that IPOA is investigating. We have sought a statement of people who have died in police cells; one of them being Albert Ojwang’. A day after, there was a person who died in the police station in Rwanyambo, at a place called Karangatha, in Kinangop.
The IPOA must either work or be disbanded. There is no point of actually hearing every time that, we are getting investigations done yet nobody has been prosecuted, nobody has actually been taken to court, they are just investigating every day. This body, in my opinion, has actually failed the test of time and I do not think that there is anything that we can get in terms of results from IPOA. I strongly propose that this body is actually disbanded.
Finally, you know that we went with my team, Sen. Karungo and Sen. Nyutu were there. We went to IPOA when we were attacked at a place called Gonda and we were almost killed. We were told to take our vehicles there, so that the bullets that were lodged in our vehicles could be taken for ballistics. It is now two or three months since we went there. We have never been invited, we do not know what happened to the police officers who attacked us. We actually gave specific names of the police officers who attacked us. Nothing has ever happened. We have never seen any results and the Government is still funding IPOA. They are continuing to fund such a moribund authority.
I thank you.
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
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 22
constitutional commissions. We must look at how we can make this institution independent. One of the ways is to strengthen the process of recruitment of commissioners to these commissions. This is because some of them are political appointees and they end up not doing their job.
Coming to the point, we have had many people who have been killed by police officers and we are not getting answers. The latest one is a killing in Kitengela where the police killed an innocent young man. The young man just came to a peaceful meeting. The meeting was very peaceful, and he ended up losing his life.
I am aware that the same police are planning mayhem in Kakamega. I warn them in this House, that if any individual in Kenya loses his life in Kakamega, we will blame the government of William Ruto for the killing. I am aware because I have received reports that a certain Principal Secretary (PS) is holed up in Kisumu, organising goons to disrupt our meeting in Kakamega. We will blame this government if something wrong happens in Kakamega.
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.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 23
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.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 24
We have a problem in upper Eastern and North Eastern, besides even financial, what Hon. Rigathi is talking about, which is very true We have problems with the police officers. The committee should take the matter that Sen. Hezena is talking about very seriously and start working on it.
Some three weeks ago, a very young man, a father of two children, Liban Boru Charfi, from Moyale, was killed by police officers. In a civilized society, you rush to a police officer or call 911, but in Kenya, in northern Kenya, you cannot even go to the police because they are going to kill you.
Sen. Shakila has spoken about this CS. Anaitwa nani? This Murkomen. He does not pick calls. You can call him; you can send him a message; he does not care.
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.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 25
Nakumbusha Seneti hii kwamba, jana kulikuwa na maandamano huko Tharaka- Nithi kwa sababu ya daraja ambayo imekuwa ikiua watu. Kwa hivyo, ningependa kuomba Wizara ya Barabara na Uchukuzi ifanye iwezavyo ili irudie kazi iliyofanya na itengeneze hizo daraja.
Bw. Naibu Spika, naunga mkono kauli iliyoletwa na Sen. Okiya Omtatah.
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.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I also add my voice to the statement sought by Sen. Dullo of Isiolo County. It is a concern that most of the county governments are terminating employment for their employees from their governments without due process of the law, particularly without following the Employment Act or even consulting the county public service boards, which work in their counties.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 26
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there is a procedure on how a county should terminate an employee's salary and service of work. This statement has come at the right time when we want to advise counties. The concerned committee, the Senate Committee of Labour and Social Welfare will be looking at it such that the employees of county governments are governed by law as any other employee of government.
[The Temporary Speaker (Sen. Abdul Haji) in the Chair]
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, there is a procedure that governors need to understand about the termination of their employees' employment. They should not just wake up, give advice and directions to terminate employees' services or salaries. These people have committed themselves to loans and other commitments.
I also support the statement sought by Sen. Cherarkey and Sen. Lemaletian on issues of security.
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
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 27
by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the so-called Internal Affairs Unit as interfering in some of those operations or investigations by IPOA. They have also told us that the Government does not put in place adequate measures to protect witnesses.
So, all of these challenges point to the fact that we should be asking the Government and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Hon. Murkomen--- By the way, that individual called Murkomen is still on the Senate WhatsApp group because he is a former Senator. In fact, I have taken advantage of that.
Yesterday, I saw him saying that he was not aware that we were going to Kitengela. I have sent the notification for the Kakamega rally that we have made to the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) of Kakamega to his WhatsApp number, and I am going to send it to the Senate WhatsApp group because he reads our messages, although he is not a Senator, so that he cannot come and tell the country tomorrow that he was not aware that we are going to have a meeting.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, all those people who are involved in these things should be brought to book. Even in Kitengela, we lost a life needlessly. We lost a life because of police action, not because that there was something wrong that we were doing.
The last hypocrisy that I want to point out is that this statement is being sought by the same person who was accusing politicians of orchestrating violence on themselves. Shame on you, Sen. Cherarkey.
Sen. Peris Tobiko, please proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I would like to make comment on the Statement made by Sen. Lemaletian. It is sad that part of this country is still crying of insecurity and violence, yet the police and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration are doing nothing about it. The people of Samburu in Baragoi are crying. The same applies to the people of Laikipia and all the northern counties. When our people cry in the north, we feel the pain in the south. This is terrible and needs to be addressed.
We lost a life in Kitengela. Although I was out of the country, my people were in the crowd in Kitengela. The crowd was peaceful until the police came to shoot at people and throw tear gas. Kenyans should be allowed to hold their associations and rallies peacefully. The ballot will finally decide who takes what. It is terrible that Kenyans continue crying of losing their young people, who have attended a rally to listen to their leaders. This cannot continue and the police must be reined in. This is terrible and shameful.
I thank you.
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
mtu atatusumbua, ama tungependa kuelekea mahali gani wakati tutatoka kwa hivi viti ambavyo Mwenyezi Mungu ametukubalia kushikilia? Je itatubidi tujenge ukuta? Je, ukijenga nyumba yako itabidi ujenge ukuta wa ghorofa kumi na mbili na uajiri walinzi kumi na tano ndio uweze kutembea kijijini?
Wale mnaowasiliana na marafiki zetu waliopo Serikalini, nawasihi muongee na Mheshimiwa Rais pamoja na Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani na Utawala wa Kitaifa, Mheshimiwa Murkomen, aliyekuwa mmoja wetu hapa. Tafadhali naomba muwaambie Wakenya hawataki kuona maafa. Hata kama sisi tunaenda kwao na kuwaeleza vile sisi ni wazuri, kazi ya Rais ni kuhakikisha kuwa hakuna mtu hata mmoja ameumia.
Serikali inapoeka mkutano wao pia, tunawaheshimu---
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
I will move on to Sen. Sifuna's statement on the issue of the sugar industry. In addition to what Sen. Sifuna is asking, I would want to request that the relevant committee to provide a policy, enquire whether we have a---
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
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 31
insecurity issues and yet, there is security in Kenya. The police are there. However, I am disappointed because every time, Sen. Hezena is always raising statements on insecurity.
Why is the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration not taking action? The first thing she requested for is the deployment of adequate security personnel. For how long do we ask for these personnel?
The second statement is on Isiolo. Yesterday, we were discussing about the Motion on the Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) which denied their former employees their dues. If county governments treat county employees as private sector---
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
Just today, an ex-president of South Korea, Mr. Yoon, has been jailed for life for the criminal acts he committed while he was in office. We must also send a statement that no Kenyan is above the law. Nobody should be above the law. We cannot be watching when we are talking about extrajudicial police killings and abuse of police authority. How can you have criminals carrying guns?
The late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga used to tell us that policemen are civilians wearing police uniforms. That is how it should be. So, I am really making an appeal to these people who sit in IPOA; please do something. We need to see people in jail because if we do not take action---
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.
BILL
Second Reading
THE KENYA NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO.72 OF 2023)
(Bill deferred)
MOTION
ADOPTION OF REPORT ON THE COFFEE BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.10 OF 2023)
THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Mediation Committee on the Coffee Bill (Senate Bills No. 10 of 2023), laid on the table of the Senate on Thursday, 4th December, 2025, and that pursuant to Article 113(2) of the Constitution and Standing Order 167(3) of the Senate, approves the mediated version of the Bill.
(Motion deferred)
So, we will move on to the next Order.
Clerk, please, read the next Order.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 33
MOTION
ADOPTION OF REPORT ON PETITION ON NON-PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING TERMINAL BENEFITS AND MAZIWA SACCO DUES TO FORMER EMPLOYEES OF KCC LTD
THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a petition to the Senate by employees of the former Kenya Cooperative Creameries Limited (KCC) concerning non-payment of outstanding terminal benefits and Maziwa Sacco dues to former employees of Kenya Cooperatives Creameries Ltd, laid on the Table of the Senate on Thursday, 27th November, 2025.
(Sen. Miraj 18.2.2026 - Morning Sitting) (Resumption of debate interrupted on 18.2.2026 - Morning Sitting)
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.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 34
This has been ongoing since 1997. That means that almost 30 years have gone by without their just dues being given to them. Some of them, unfortunately, have passed on, many of them are now ailing with many different sicknesses. Many of them have now given the opportunity or rather the responsibility to their children and spouses to speak on their behalf because they no longer have the energy to continue pursuing this matter.
About Kshs205 million is what is at dispute in this petition by the former KCC employees and of course, any arrears on top of that from interest. As a committee, we have been able to speak to many different stakeholders and MDAs that have a view on this particular matter. We have spoken to the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning. We have also spoken to the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MMEs) Development. We have spoken to the Attorney-General’s office as well. Unfortunately, it is something that does not seem to be resolved. It is not being resolved easily enough.
In my view, and I have spoken to each of these cabinet secretaries as I have mentioned, I have told them this is a very low-hanging fruit in terms of trying to resolve this, so that the government can at least get a few quick wins. This is a very low-hanging fruit for the government to be able to resolve this issue.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the other day we heard the President, when there was a signing of the cooperation agreement between the national Government and the Nairobi City County to work on different areas of development and infrastructure in the country. In his address, I remember him saying that if people have ideas on how we can manage and govern better in this country, please bring them forth.
To the President and the entire Executive, this is an idea that you can take by the horn and resolve immediately by giving just a few simple instructions to the Cabinet and the cabinet secretaries that I have mentioned here within this petition to resolve this matter, because that is another quick win for the government. A very easy thing to resolve because the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of these petitioners.
These are the kind of things that I believe are so easy to lay to rest and I wonder about the intention or the goodwill or lack thereof in these types of matters. It does not need to take two, three or four parliaments for a group of petitioners to come to the Senate, time and time again with the same problem and have it not resolved.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as you know, next year is our election year and if we do not resolve this matter this year and ensure that Kshs205 million plus interest is paid to these petitioners, they will be back again in the next parliamentary term with a whole new group of Members of Parliament.
We have been told by the general public that over 50 per cent of us will not be returning to this House. What will that do then to these employees and other petitioners who keep looking and seeking justice from this hon. House, parliamentary term after parliamentary term?
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I also want to support the efforts that we have made in the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. We have done our part. We have had several meetings with not only cabinet secretaries, but also different stakeholders and petitioners who come from far and wide in the country to speak for themselves and have their voices heard in the Senate.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 35
Though we have completed several of these meetings, I beseech this honourable House to support this particular report, so that it is fast-tracked and instructions and recommendations that we, Members of the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare have given therein, can be implemented forthwith. That means that even this month or within the second quarter of this year, we should give some race beat to this group of petitioners led by the former KCC employees.
The point I am trying to make is that low hanging fruits are all over if only the Executive is willing to listen. It is human nature to always hear criticism and negativity the loudest. There are some few voices, however soft they are, however quiet they may be and however sparse they are, that are actually trying to give easy wins to the Executive, but they are not listening. That is, we are trying to give ideas, not only as individuals or communities across the country, but also as parliamentary committees.
This report is full of recommendations as are so many other reports that come through this honourable House, which go to the Cabinet or the Executive, but unfortunately they die there. The pleas with this kind of genuineness to the public, from the President and the Executive, saying if anyone has ideas they should bring them forth, are plenty. The question is; what is it that you are focused on?
I thank you.
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
Kenyans who have been waiting for the past 20 years. I do not know whether Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale should get some dues after being relieved from the position of a Whip.
I do not know why we are having an onslaught against sons of the Luhya nation. I am hearing that somebody now wants to go after Sen. Sifuna. I am saying this with a light touch because anybody you dismiss from office--- I am saying this on a serious note because I am a Member of the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. According to labour relations, if you serve a party as the Secretary General (SG) and they relieve you of your services, they should pay you your dues.
Hon. Orwoba was fired by UDA Party and we expect her to get her dues. That is fairness because you said you do not want her to be a nominated Senator and fired her. She went back to take care of her young child. Pay her dues. It is in the same spirit this report is saying that once people have served and leave office, they should be paid soonest possible.
If you go to countries like Australia where they have what they call superannuation, you retire and get your money. Those are some of the white people you see in Mombasa enjoying at the beach. Let us have the same standard being applied to Kenyan workers.
Chairman, Sen. Murgor, I hope we will do a follow-up on the recommendations we are making. It seems there was somebody in office at that time who committed some acts of fraud. They committed some criminal acts and made the SACCO to lose about Kshs400 million. We have made a recommendation that the DCI, within six months, must table a report before this House to show us the outcome of investigations.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you have seen the kind of altercations we have had between some committees of this House and governors. Do you know why governors do not fear this House anymore? It is because we recommend that investigations be undertaken against Governor ‘X’, debate in this House and pass a resolution and that becomes the end of the matter. We never make a follow-up on a file to know the outcome of the investigations.
We may not force the DCI or the EACC to recommend that somebody must be charged in a court of law, but they owe us a duty as a House to tell us the outcome of the investigations. If we recommend that you investigate, come back and tell us that you have done an investigation, but the results you got may not sustain a charge in a court of law that can lead to a conviction and we will agree. To receive a report from the House - this is over 200 pages - then you put it on the shelves is not right. I recommend that the committee makes a follow-up on this matter, so that in the next six months we know what was done.
Look at contributions to SACCOs. I contribute to Bunge Regulated Non- Withdrawable Deposit Taking (WDT) SACCO Society. I could as well take that money and enjoy lunch every day. However, because I am making a saving, I have all the faith and trust that my money will never disappear from Bunge Regulated Non-WDT SACCO Society.
In the case we have here, money disappeared from Maziwa SACCO. That was somebody’s salary deducted by the SACCO, but when they wanted their money, they were told the money was gone or the company was under a receivership. That is not the way we should treat our Kenyan workers.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 37
I want to propose to the committee that instead of waiting for the Ministry to make recommendations on what amendments we can propose to the relevant laws; this is something we can do as a committee. Let us make a proposal on amending the law and bring it to this House. If it is passed, it will help future workers who may find themselves in such a situation.
I also call upon my good friend, the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), to be proactive in protecting his workers. Before this matter came to the House for us Senators to go through and make our recommendations, what has the court done? Nothing.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, today, lawyers all over the country, myself included, walked into the Supreme Court and participated in an election presided over by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEBC); to elect the next president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), you can see the evidence. The president will serve us for two years, not for eternity, but for two years.
I have made a proposal that, we should also amend the law that governs elections for court so that, the workers of this country can also have the freedom to choose their leaders through a secret ballot in an election, including, the Secretary General. I have no problem with my good friend, the Secretary General Atwoli. However, let us be progressive.
When some of us were elected as presidents of LSK, we used to vote through the ballot. Sen. Mungatana will tell you that we used to post the ballot to the members who would then vote, then send it back. For some, we used to go to their offices and collect the ballot papers, but now, we are doing it in a very credible manner. We have polling stations.
When I entered the Supreme Court, my polling station was polling station number one. This is so that workers can also elect people who can bring new ideas to the trade unions, so that this kind of suffering that we are seeing does not happen.
Mr. Atwoli was in the trade union when I was in secondary school. I went to the university and Atwoli, was in the trade union. When I became the Chairperson of the LSK, I dealt with Atwoli. When I was serving in the anti-corruption in 2007 to 2011, Atwoli served with me. Today, I am serving my second term as a Senator and Atwoli is still the Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions-Kenya (COTU- K).
We have had so many presidents of the LSK since the time I exited in 2007. Let us also give workers a chance to elect other people who can take care of their interests. Did you see the salaries these people are earning? We created the Salaries Remuneration Commission (SRC) so that we can harmonise salaries of Kenyans.
Today, the President has recommended that the salaries of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) be reviewed. That is a good thing, I have no problem with it and I say congratulations. We want everybody to earn a good salary, get a good pension and get a good car grant. However, Mr. Atwoli, how are the salaries of these Kenyans that we call hustlers? What is Atwoli doing other than making declarations during an electioneering year? Just like last time, he told us that there was a presidential candidate who stood a chance of hanging himself because he was not going to win an election, which was not true. What is he doing, really, as a representative of workers, to ensure
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 38
that he improves their salaries and working standards? As people are getting this very good pension, what are the Kenyan workers getting in return?
A time has come for us, as a House, to first track that Bill. Sen. Murgor, you are my Chairman and that Bill is before your committee. Let us stop this thing of people being locked in Tom Mboya where they endorse so-and-so as their secretary-general. Let us emulate what the lawyers have done today and allow workers of Kenya to also elect their secretary-general in a process that is as credible as what we have done today in the LSK. That is the spirit of the Constitution; cast your vote in a secret ballot presided over by IEBC, so that whoever wins has a full mandate of the people from that sector, whether it is the workers or the lawyers, that is the way to go. This archaic thing of people just gathering in Kisumu and making a declaration that they have again returned their secretary-general for another term is not right.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, finally, I also want to really thank the courts because, this matter has been litigated in our courts of law, from the High Court all the way to the Court of Appeal and they have ruled that these former employees should be paid. So, even if the Ministry concerned, the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development was to pay, they are already covered by the court's decision.
Let us appeal to the concerned Cabinet Secretary to ensure that he pays these workers. When I think about people who have served Government for many years and retire without a pension, I feel pain. My own mother used to work for the Ministry of Health. She worked at a health centre called Keroka Health Centre for a long time. I thought she was working on permanent and pensionable terms having served for close to 35 years. When she retired, I tried to follow up on her pension at the Ministry of Health and I was told that she was a casual worker; she was very dejected. She went home with nothing, having served all that time.
I feel the pain of these Kenyans. I remember how my mother felt and even up to today, she always looks back and says that she served this Government which never gave her any pension. She was under an honest belief that she was permanent and pensionable when, unfortunately, she was serving as a casual worker, a nurse with a full uniform. It is only after retirement that she discovered that she was actually never confirmed into full- time employment.
I have another case of a chief from my County of Nyamira, who actually resigned as a teacher, was employed as an assistant chief then promoted to full position of chief. When he retired, he was told that they never confirmed him into permanent and pensionable terms.
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I conclude, we need to really treat our workers well, so that when they retire in their old age, they have something that can put a smile on their faces.
I support this report that has been brought to the House by the Committee of Labour and Social Services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the good work you are doing on behalf of the Kenyan workers. I hope the people of West Pokot know that they made a right choice by electing you as their Senator.
Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker.
Thank you, Senator.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 39
I now call upon the Mover, Sen. Murgor, to reply.
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.
BILL
Second Reading
THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT DISPOSAL RECYCLING AND REUSE BILL (SENATE BILLS NO. 5 OF 2025)
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
I thank Sen. Maanzo who also contributed to the Bill, Sen. Cherarkey, Sen. Wambua, Sen. Thang’wa, Sen. Olekina and Sen. Sigei. These Members did a lot of contributions. When a Bill is on the Floor of the House, it becomes the property of the House and Members can propose amendments for value addition to make it a better piece of legislation that will work for the country. So, I accept and welcome those Members who feel they would want to move amendments on this Bill. They are most welcome.
Let me, however, correct the notion that I gathered from the debate yesterday. Sen. Wambua had said that we should be careful so that we do not pass a Bill that would claw back on issues of devolution. Let me clarify that the only thing the national Government was going to do besides the policy direction is the creation of a national plant. Otherwise, the rest of the systems, operations and collections were going to be done at the county and the counties were going to do county-specific laws that will govern the whole e-waste management. Therefore, there is nothing that will be clawed back in terms of devolution.
I also noted, from the contribution of Sen. Olekina, when he said mama mboga will be expected to take her dead phone all the way to the collection centre. That cannot be further from the truth. What this Bill anticipates is a situation similar to what is happening now in the general garbage collection. When you see people in the streets people collecting plastics, know that they are doing it for monetary gain. Even now for handsets, equipment, laptops and all other machineries, those who will be dealing with that business will actually come knocking at our doors to look for this equipment; the dead phones and old laptops. They will go to hospitals and other institutions to ask for the machineries that are no longer in use. They will come to the Senate, collect the equipment that was removed here the other day. So, no one will be expecting a mama mboga to take her dead phone to the collection centre. It will be those who will be making money who will go seeking and looking for this equipment to take to the collection centres.
I hope I have clarified to those Members who had concerns. Otherwise, the contribution was very well noted and it is my sincere hope that logic will prevail in the National Assembly for them to see that this piece of legislation will work for both the devolved units and even at the national level.
I beg to reply. Pursuant to Standing Order No.66(3), I request that you defer putting of the question to a later date. Thank you very much.
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
MOTION
ADOPTION OF REPORT ON PETITION ON DISMISSAL AND NON-PAYMENT OF ARREARS OF MR. TITUS NJOROGE BY AIC OF KENYA
Thank you very much, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. This is a Motion to adopt the report on a petition by Mr. Titus Njoroge concerning the dismissal and non-payment of arrears by the African Inland Church AIC.
I beg to move - THAT, the Senate adopts the Report of the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare on a petition to the Senate by Mr. Titus Njoroge concerning his dismissal by the African Inland Church (AIC) of Kenya and non-payment of arrears owed to him, laid on the Table of the Senate on Thursday, 27th November, 2025. The issues raised in the petition by Mr. Titus Njoroge were contractual dispute whereby the petitioner claimed to have been in the employment of AIC on permanent and pensionable terms. However, he did not receive his salary and benefits for the period of October, 2024 to April, 2025, despite performing his duties.
The petitioner submitted that the AIC management informed him that his employment contract was for a term of two years and terminated him without following due process. The petitioner stated that he was never given any notice nor termination letter and he, therefore, prayed that the Senate-
- Make an order for compensation of salary arrears and allowances to be paid in full and calculate the amount to be paid after salary review and;
- Make any other recommendations necessary in the circumstances. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the committee held a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 to deliberate on the issues raised and the documentation submitted and established that the petitioner had already filed a complaint on 25th March, 2025 with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, State Department for Labour and Skills Development in Murang’a. The committee then resolved that the arbitration process, through the AIC internal dispute resolution structure, continue under the supervision of the Labour Inspector in Murang’a County. The committee has been monitoring and following up on the process and is pleased to report that the matter has now been resolved amicably with the petitioner having been reinstated in his workplace and a process towards the payment of his arrears formalised. This has been confirmed by the Labour Inspector and the committee, therefore, wishes to report that the matter has been settled and closed. The committee extends its appreciation to parties who volunteered to submissions and the contributions to the resolution of this matter. I also wish to express my appreciation to my fellow Senators for their contribution to this matter. The committee thanks the office of the Speaker of the Senate and Clerk of the Senate for support and extended to committee in the execution of this matter. I beg to move and I ask Sen. Mungatana to support.
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
(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Temporary Speaker)
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
Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, could you put a request to defer the putting of the Question and voting on this matter?
Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, pursuant to Standing Order No.66 (3) , I request that you defer putting of the Question to a later date.
Thank you. It is so deferred.
Next Order.
The Chairperson, The Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, please proceed.
MOTION
ADOPTION OF REPORT ON PETITION ON PEOPLE LIVING WITH INVISIBLE DISABILITIES
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
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 44
national and county levels. It further alleged that policies and administrative practices within the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and the National Council of Persons Living with Disabilities (NCPWD) create barriers to accessing essential life-saving treatment and medication while specialised diagnostic services such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) were largely invisible or unaffordable at the grassroots level.
The petitioner also contented the existing programmes targeting persons living with disabilities were inadequate for those with invisible disabilities. There was also corruption in allocation of benefits, funding and employment opportunities within relevant public bodies and partner organizations, including the Red Cross, the World Vision, disproportionately disadvantaged this group.
The petitioner, therefore, prays that the Senate intervenes and urges the Government to formally recognise and integrate the persons living with invisible disabilities in policies and administrative frameworks and ensure the consistent availability of essential medicines, specialised treatment and qualified persons in referral health facilities.
Madam Temporary Speaker, the committee held several sittings with relevant stakeholders on various dates and received submissions on the petition.
From these engagements, the committee observed that although Kenya's legislative and policy framework recognised invisible disabilities, including through Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, which mandates the promotion of awareness and rights of persons living with disabilities, there remains a significant implementation gap.
In particular, there is a lack of disregarded data on invisible disabilities which hampers effective planning and resource allocation, little public awareness to address persistent misconceptions and misclassification of invisible disabilities, and the absence of concrete action plans, measurable targets and time-bound frameworks from the stakeholders, notably, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Health and the county governments to address the concerns raised.
The committee is, therefore, recommending that the national and the county governments fully implement the Persons with Disability Act, 2025, within the six months as the Act adequately addresses the concerns raised in the petition.
It further recommends that the NCPWD within three months develops guidelines for classification, registration and support of persons living with invisible disabilities and report back to the committee.
In addition, the committee advised that the NCPWD collaborate with relevant Government agencies established within three months and repass the monitoring and evaluation framework to track the implementation of the Act, with particular focus on individuals’ disabilities and submit annual progress report to the Committee.
The committee also addressed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Health, the county governments and immediate launch targeting public education and campaigns at the national and the county levels, to raise awareness of invisible disabilities and rights guaranteed under the law.
Finally, the committee recommends that the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the county governments develop and implement, within three months, a phase plan to expand access to essential services at the grassroots levels.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 45
Madam Temporary Speaker, the committee thanks the office of the Speaker and the office of the Clerk of the Senate for the support extended in execution of its mandate.
The committee further extends its appreciation to the stakeholders who availed themselves in the meetings, notably the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Ministry of Health, Council of Governors (COG) and the petitioner, Mrs. Beatrice Likwop, on behalf of persons living with invisible disabilities.
I thank you.
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
and given their space. The petitioner is saying they are not being given their rightful space, even in the allocation of resources.
These conditions can affect anybody, even the best of us. Many years ago, in this House of Parliament, we had one of our colleagues attacked by bandits. When we came back after a long struggle with sickness that hon. Member - I do not want to mention his name - was unable to walk completely. He used to access the Chamber using the wheelchair. He was a famous Member. This can happen to anyone.
People have suffered depression. You cannot see when someone is undergoing depression and understand what is happening. Some people suffer from bipolar. Right now, they are laughing and a few minutes later, they are not okay.
Our askaris who have come from war zones have suffered post-traumatic disorders because when they come back, the stress they underwent out in the field affects them and their families. It also affects how they behave. However, they are in our matatus, Ubers, vehicles and boda bodas. You cannot know that this person is not well. Any of us here can suffer a hearing loss and yet, we do not have a specific way of treating these people even under the provisions of the current Persons with Disabilities Act.
Madam Temporary Speaker, I, therefore, congratulate the committee for taking their time to listen. I would like to tell them that there are good grounds for them to introduce some amendments to the Persons with Disabilities Act. This Act passed in 2025 still has space for amendments and now that this Motion is going to pass in this House, it is time for the Chairperson and this committee to consider bringing amendments to this Act. This is so that those living with disabilities that are invisible can also benefit from resources allocated by virtue of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.
Madam Temporary Speaker, with those remarks, I thank the Chairperson and I beg to second.
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.
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 47
Hon. Senators, I wish to defer the business on Order No.14, Order No.15, Order No.16, all the way to Order No.22 because we do not have the quorum for the Committee of the Whole.
MOTION
CONSIDERATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AMENDMENTS TO THE ELECTION OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.28 OF 2024)
THAT, the National Assembly amendments to the Election Offences (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill (Senate Bills No. 28 of 2024) be now considered.
(Motion deferred)
BILLS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICES BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.40 OF 2024)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO.4) BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO.45 OF 2024)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONSIDERATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AMENDMENTS TO THE METEOROLOGY BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.45 OF 2023)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO.45 OF 2022)
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 48
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE LABOUR MIGRATION AND MANAGEMENT (NO.2) BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.42 OF 2024)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE TOBACCO CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.35 OF 2024)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS ELECTION LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL(SENATE BILLS NO.2 OF 2024)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE NUTS AND OIL CROPS DEVELOPMENT BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.47 OF 2023)
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.
BILL
Second Reading
THE HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.12 OF 2025)
(Bill deferred)
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 49
BILL
Second Reading
THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.14 OF 2025)
(Bill deferred)
BILL
Second Reading
THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL (SENATE BILLS NO. 15 OF 2025)
(Bill deferred)
BILL
Second Reading
THE AGRICULTURE PRODUCE (MINIMUM GUARANTEED RETURNS) BILL (SENATE BILLS NO.17 OF 2025)
(Bill deferred)
BILL
Second Reading
THE COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTERS BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILL NO.53 OF 2022)
(Bill deferred)
BILL
Second Reading
THE KENYA HEALTH PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILL NO.54 OF 2022)
February, 19, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 50
(Bill deferred)
BILL
Second Reading
THE PUBLIC AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO.4 OF 2024)
(Bill deferred)
BILL
Second Reading
THE KENYA ROADS (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL (NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BILLS NO.34 OF 2025)
(Bill deferred)
ADJOURNMENT
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.