Wamuzi News Ke
The Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has formally summoned three Cabinet Secretaries and the Managing Director of Kenya Railways Corporation following their failure to attend a critical committee sitting held today.
The summons adds a flashpoint to a mounting public accountability crisis.Power Players Called InThe officials directed to appear before the committee on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10 a.m. include:
Treasury CS John Mbadi,Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya,Labour CS Alfred Mutua,Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga. They were expected at today’s session to address long‑standing grievances over delayed pension payouts for Kenya Railways retirees, pending honoraria for former councillors, and unresolved issues in the KCC petition.
Committee Chair Puts Foot Down.
Senator Julius Murgor, chairing the committee, took a stern tone: the continuous absence of key decision‑makers from the executive undermines parliamentary authority. Participants had rejected the appearance of Principal Secretary Cyrell Wagunda Odede, insisting that only Cabinet Secretaries possess the mandate to speak authoritatively on the issues under discussion.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, echoing the frustration, reminded that CS Mbadi was once a parliamentarian himself and cannot evade summonses using Cabinet meeting excuses. “Appearing before Parliament is a constitutional requirement—not a favour.”
Pensions Crisis Deepens.
Thousands of retirees from Kenya Railways and KEMRI, along with former county councillors expecting a one‑off honorarium of KSh 200,000, remain unpaid. Death and disability benefits for public servants have also been delayed, sowing distress and political outrage.
Threat of Sanctions Looms.
Previously, CS Mbadi was warned of punitive measures—including a fine of KSh 500,000—or even the deployment of the Inspector General of Police to enforce his appearance if he again fails to show. Female leader Senator Crystal Asige emphasized that continued excuses would no longer suffice:
“This issue has dragged on for years. We need strong decisions and accountability.” What It Means NowThis summons marks a decisive escalation in legislative oversight over executive negligence.
The committee’s stance signals zero tolerance for bureaucratic evasion—especially involving vulnerable retirees.Failing to comply on August 20 could trigger formal sanctions under parliamentary standing orders.
The case is likely to heighten public scrutiny on how pension arrears and entitlements are handled by state agencies.
