Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during the Senate Energy Committee meeting at Parliament buildings Nairobi on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Mamo Boru Mamo appeared before the committee to deliberate on the tragic Embakasi gas explosion. DENNIS ONSONGO| NATION
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has broken his silence following a dramatic scuffle at the Senate of Kenya that saw him and several lawmakers pushed by security officers.
In a statement issued after the incident, the outspoken Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General condemned what he termed as “unacceptable intimidation” within parliamentary precincts.
The confrontation reportedly occurred when senators attempted to engage a governor who had been summoned to answer audit queries before the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee.
According to Sifuna, the governor—whose appearance was expected to address concerns over alleged misuse of public resources—arrived at Parliament buildings accompanied by a group of journalists.
Instead of proceeding to the committee chambers, the governor allegedly held a press briefing outside, criticizing the Senate and its oversight role.
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Sifuna claimed that when he and other legislators insisted that the governor comply with the summons and appear before the committee, tensions escalated.
He accused the governor’s security team of physically pushing and roughing up elected leaders in full view of cameras, sparking outrage among members of the public and political leaders alike.
“The Senate cannot be reduced to a theater of chaos where accountability is evaded through intimidation,” Sifuna said. He further alleged that individuals he described as “goons” were unleashed to disrupt the process and frustrate the committee’s efforts.
In response to the incident, Sifuna revealed that senators have taken a firm position regarding accountability measures.
“We have resolved that no funds will be disbursed to counties until the 29 notorious governors appear before the Senate to account for previously allocated resources,” he stated.
The incident has reignited debate over the relationship between county governments and the Senate, particularly on matters of oversight and accountability.
Calls are now mounting for stricter enforcement of summons and enhanced security protocols within parliamentary premises to prevent similar confrontations in the future.
Click Here To Watch The Video Of Sifuna Speaking At the Senate.
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