Senators summon IG over arrests

Senate has summoned Inspector General (IG) of Police to explain harassment of their colleagues last month shortly before a vote on the revenue sharing formula. 

Speaker Ken Lusaka ruled that IG Hillary Mutyambai (pictured) appears before the National Security Committee chaired by Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji.

This was after the lawmakers demand action based on claims by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala that he was being trailed by Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officers.

“I direct that tomorrow (today) at 10am, the Inspector General appears before the security committee and media be allowed to cover,” directed Lusaka.

He also allowed representatives from Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to attend the proceedings after Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo sought his intervention on the same.

A report tabled by the Haji committee following the arrests of Malala, Senators Christopher Langat (Bomet) and Steve Lelengwe (Samburu) ignited a fierce debate in the House.

Senators led by Minority Leader James Orengo implored upon the Speaker not to let history repeat itself as his colleagues rubbished the report.

The senators claimed they were gagged from fielding questions to Mutyambai and Interior CS Fred Matiangi and the media blocked from the probe.

Nominated senator Judith Pareno (ODM) founder herself on the receiving end when she tried to defend the conduct on the committee, insisting they did a good job.

Elgeyo/Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Muirkomen lashed out at the speaker, warning him that what goes around comes around.

“Apart from the committee blocking the media, they did not invite Malala, Langat or Lelegwe. I don’t believe it’s worth being called a Senate committee report,” he said.