
In a development that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Treasury has reportedly ignored invitations from Members of Parliament (MPs) a staggering 16 times. These repeated absences have raised serious questions about transparency and accountability within the Ministry.
The invitations, extended by various parliamentary committees, date back to March 2023. Despite the critical nature of the discussions, which included matters of national importance, the PS has failed to appear or provide satisfactory explanations for the absences.
This ongoing situation has led to growing frustration among MPs, who are now considering invoking parliamentary procedures to compel the PS to attend the sessions. The lack of cooperation from the Ministry of Treasury is seen as a direct challenge to the legislative oversight function, which is vital for ensuring that public resources are managed effectively and in the best interest of the citizens.
The Speaker of the National Assembly has been urged to address this issue promptly, with some MPs suggesting that the matter be escalated to the President if the PS continues to disregard parliamentary summons.
The public is closely watching how this situation unfolds, as it could set a precedent for how government officials engage with parliamentary oversight in the future.This development underscores the need for stronger mechanisms to ensure that public officials are held accountable and that they fulfill their duties to the public and the institutions they serve.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.