Senators call out Health, Tourism CSs for snubbing summons

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa fail to attend scheduled meeting in Senate on Wednesday. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano sparked frustration among Senators on Wednesday, November 13, after failing to attend a scheduled meeting to answer questions related to their ministries.

Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi informed the Senate that both CSs had requested to reschedule their appearances. 

"The Health CS sent a letter requesting a postponement due to being indisposed, saying she could not appear until a later date," Murungi said.

He added that Miano also sought to be excused, but her request was denied by the Senate Business Committee.

"We are in a regrettable situation where neither CS is present this morning," Murungi remarked. "We make sacrifices to be here, and their absence shows a lack of respect for this House."

Senators expressed their displeasure, referring to the absentism as part of a troubling pattern.

“It has become a trend for Cabinet Secretaries to skip Senate meetings,” said Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute. "For instance, the Health CS should have notified us 24 hours in advance. If her letter arrived this morning, it shows a lack of consideration. If this continues, we will be failing Kenyans. I propose we institute a censure motion against these two Cabinet Secretaries."

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua criticized the Health CS's late communication, calling it "a new level of contempt." 

He added, "Just last evening, the CEO of SHA was suspended for alleged professional misconduct. I'm not sure if there are legal provisions to suspend CSs for misconduct, but this should be addressed at the highest level."

Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri added, "Cabinet Secretaries have an opportunity to update Kenyans on government initiatives. I expected the Health CS to address the issue of polio vaccinations for children."

Barasa was scheduled to appear before Senate today to shed light on vaccine shortage in the country, the Linda Mama initiative, the Social Health Insurance Fund among other key issues, while Miano was expected to respond to questions involving the Nasalot Game Reserve.