Editor's Review

"I put it to the President that this is a dereliction of duty. This minister is not fit to hold public office," Khalwale stated.

Senators have threatened to impeach Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa for failing to honour the summons.

In a heated debate on Wednesday, March 6, the senators from both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza sides lamented over what they termed as a blatant disregard of the summons.

Led by Kakamega Senator who doubles up as Senate Majority Whip, they described Jumwa's action as a dereliction of duty and hence she was unfit to hold public office.

"She is falling the Executive and with due respect without being seen to be using the name of the President, I put it to the President that this is a dereliction of duty. This minister is not fit to hold public office," Khalwale stated.

File image of Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa. 

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"The Minister cannot hold this house ransom, we have competent women who can serve this country. Senator Gloria Orwoba should be appointed instead of Jumwa who does not execute her duties" Khalwale insisted.

His sentiments were backed by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch who vowed to table a censure motion in the afternoon. 

Jumwa was set to appear before the House to brief the Senate on the progress of the two-thirds gender rule. However, she failed to appear sparking anger among lawmakers.

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago noted that Jumwa's absence had dragged deliberations on two-thirds gender rule.

"We expecting the CS for Gender to appear before this House so that we finish this two-thirds representation agenda, once and for all," Mandago stated

"When a Cabinet Secretary fails to appear before this House, they are not only sabotaging our work as a Senate but also insubordination of the President of Kenya," he added

However, Meru Senator Munyi Alexander Mundigi, defended Jumwa appealing to lawmakers to give her time and allow negotiations on the matter

She advised the senators to instead impose a heavy fine on Jumwa for skipping the Senate summons.

Responding to the Senator's concerns, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi directed them to properly execute their mandate including imposing fines and determining other actions against Cabinet Secretaries who ignore summons

"We should not be a house of lamentation. You have the sword under Senate Standing order number 51. Exercise your powers accordingly."