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House: Senate Day: Wednesday Session: Afternoon Sitting Time: 2:30 PM

Hansard Summary

Senators interrogated the Cabinet Secretary for Interior on the scope of his constitutional authority over the police, the prevalence of extrajudicial killings and abductions, and the mechanisms for police accountability. The Minister clarified Article 245(4), emphasizing that only the Director of Public Prosecutions may direct investigations, while outlining steps taken such as the Jukwaa la Usalama forums and prosecutions of kidnapping cases. He reaffirmed a commitment to eradicate police misconduct and improve oversight. Senators highlighted the slow progress of IPOA investigations compared to DCI cases, attributing delays to limited resources and capacity. The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the need for additional investigators and policy reforms, proposing reviews of legislation, standing orders, and the use of commissions of inquiry. Ongoing challenges such as inadequate police infrastructure and training were also noted. Senators raised concerns over the death of Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody, urging the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a thorough, evidence‑based investigation and calling for accountability regardless of rank. The Inspector General of Police responded, outlining procedural steps taken, including the interdiction of officers, and emphasized adherence to the rule of law. The debate highlighted broader issues of police brutality, abductions, and the need for transparent oversight mechanisms.

Sentimental Analysis

Mixed

THE PARLIAMENT OF KENYA

THE SENATE

THE HANSARD

PARLIAMENT OF KENYA

Wednesday, 11th June, 2025 Afternoon Sitting

The House met at the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings at 2.33 p.m.

[The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) in the Chair]

PRAYER

DETERMINATION OF QUORUM AT COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi)

Clerk, do we have quorum?

Hon. Senators, kindly take your seats. We have quorum, and therefore, we will proceed with the afternoon's business.

Clerk, proceed to call the first Order.

Sen. Boni, take your seat.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

MEETING BETWEEN THE SENATE AND CS FOR INTERIOR AND NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION, THE IG OF POLICE, IPOA AND NPSC ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE DEATH OF MR. ALBERT OMONDI OJWANG’

Hon. Senators, as you may recall, the Senate Majority Leader moved a Motion to suspend the morning plenary sitting to facilitate a special session between the Senate and the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Inspector

June 11, 2025 SENATE DEBATES 1
The Speaker (Hon. Kingi)

General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service Commission. The Director of Criminal Investigations also accompanied the Cabinet Secretary.

Following a request for Statement by the Senator for Migori County, Sen. Eddy Oketch, MP, regarding the death of Mr. Albert Omondi Ojwang, the following made statements to the Senate on oath on the matter-

  1. Hon Kipchumba Murkomen EGH
  2. Mr Douglas Kanja MGH
  3. Mr Edwin Kiprono Cheluget
  4. Mr Mohammed Amin EBS
  5. Ms Anne Wanjiku Mwangi
  1. m., to facilitate the Senate to exhaustively interrogate the matter.

- Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior

EBS, OGW - Inspector General of Police.

- Vice-Chairperson, National Police Service

- Director, Directorate of Criminal Investigations

- Vice-Chairperson, Independent Policing

MOTION

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF THE SENATE TO INTERROGATE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE DEATH OF MR. ALBERT OMONDI OJWANG’

Sen (Dr.) Khalwale

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise to move the following Motion-

June 11, 2025 SENATE DEBATES 2
Sen (Dr.) Khalwale

THAT, pursuant to Standing Order No.38(1), the Senate do suspend its proceedings in order to allow Senators to efficiently interrogate the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, the Inspector General of Police, the Chairpersons of the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and of the National Police Service Commission regarding the safety and the well-being of arrested persons in Kenya while in police custody and in particular the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang’.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as the House will recall, this is a similar Motion to the one that was moved this morning. The reasons and justifications that were advanced in the morning still stand true now. For this reason, I do not want to go beyond this. I urge Members to vote in support this unique opportunity.

I thank the House. We conducted ourselves very well this morning. I also thank the Speaker. You have presided over the proceedings as expected.

I move and request the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Justice Stewart Madzayo, to second my Motion.

Thank you.

Sen. Madzayo

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I fully support the Mover of this Motion my brother, Sen. (Dr.) Boni Khalwale. I, therefore, second it.

Thank you.

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi)

Hon. Senators, I will now propose the question.

The Floor is open for debate. However, Hon. Senators, this being a Procedural Motion, with your concurrence, you may allow me to put the Question, so that we dispense with it.

I will, therefore, proceed to put the Question.

Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No.38 (5) I will allocate the time.

Take your seat, Senator for Nandi County. I will give this up to close of business today, so that we conclude this matter.

(Applause)

We do not have to leave other Members of this House feeling left out.

June 11, 2025 SENATE DEBATES 3

ADJOURNMENT

The Speaker (Hon. Kingi)

Hon. Senators, having resumed the normal and ordinary session of the Senate, it is now 6.30 p.m., time to adjourn the Senate. The Senate, therefore, stands adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, 12th June, 2025 at 2.30

  1. m. I thank you. The Senate rose at 6.30 p.m.