The Senate Committee is probing the protracted wars between the Governor and his Deputy Bernard Kiala even after the Senate declined to uphold the latter’s impeachment by the County Assembly last year.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 27 – The Senate Committee on Legal Affairs has summoned Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua to appear before it on November 18 after he snubbed its invite for the second time.
Committee Chairman Amos Wako said he was disappointed with the conduct of the Governor following a petition by residents.
“We are aware that all sorts of tactics have been made by the Governor. We normally request the Governor to kindly come but if we get the feeling that the Governor is trying to avoid coming then we go an extra mile. Then we can go a step higher.”
“Therefore because of the history of this matter, we are now exercising our power under Article 125 to summon the Governor to appear before us for the purpose of giving evidence on the various issues raised by the petition,” Wako said.
The committee dismissed a delegation led Acting County Secretary Grace Munguti, with Wako saying they were unable to answer its questions.
“A House of Parliament and any of its committees has the same powers as the High Court to enforce the attendance of witnesses and examine them on oath, affirmation or otherwise. It can also compel the production of documents and issue a request to examine witnesses abroad,” reads part of Article 125.
Munguti told the committee that Governor Mutua had sent her with apologies for missing the meeting saying he needed time to prepare as he was scheduled to travel to Japan later on Tuesday.
The Senate Committee is probing the protracted wars between the Governor and his Deputy Bernard Kiala even after the Senate declined to uphold the latter’s impeachment by the County Assembly last year.
If Mutua snubs the summons, the committee will be at liberty to propose that the Senate approves its recommendation for the Governor he will be in contempt.
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