Kingi suspends international travel for senators

 Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has suspended international travel for Senators and Senate staff, citing important upcoming legislative business.

In a press statement, Kingi asserted the need for Senators to remain in the country due to critical matters set for debate in the coming days.

"As you are aware, the Senate has substantive business for consideration in the coming days. Given the gravity of these matters, it is paramount that we maintain a focused presence in the Senate," the statement read in part.

The travel ban also extends to Senate staff.

Additionally, Kingi directed all Senate committees to suspend activities outside Nairobi effective immediately until Saturday, October 19, 2024.

"This directive aims to ensure that all Senators can prioritize their participation in these important proceedings without distractions or disruptions," he added.

Next week, the Senate is scheduled to debate whether to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office following his impeachment by the National Assembly.

MPs voted 281 to 44 in favor of the impeachment, with one abstention, surpassing the two-thirds majority required to advance the motion to the Senate.

Gachagua will appear for the impeachment trial at the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday.