Sifuna criticises CS Mbadi for skipping Senate session, calls it 'disrespectful'
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. File photo
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has sharply criticised the newly-appointed Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for failing to attend a scheduled Senate session, calling his absence a sign of disrespect toward the Senate.
During a heated debate on Wednesday, senator Sifuna expressed his disappointment, accusing CS Mbadi of neglecting his duties only weeks into his new role.
Mr Sifuna's frustrations stemmed from a question he had intended to direct to Mr Mbadi “one that has remained unanswered for over a year”.
The senator lamented the delay, highlighting that Mbadi, as a former MP, should be well aware of the importance of parliamentary sessions.
"We woke up early to attend this session, expecting the CS to show up," Mr Sifuna remarked.
"The question I was supposed to ask has been pending for more than a year. It’s taken less than two weeks for Mbadi to fully adopt the lack of accountability that we’ve seen in some of these Kenya Kwanza ministers."
He went on to criticise Mr Mbadi’s apparent disregard for Senate proceedings, pointing out that the Treasury CS had confirmed his attendance the previous day, only for the Senate to receive a last-minute notice of his absence.
The vocal Nairobi Senator argued that CS Mbadi should have at least informed the Senate earlier if he was unable to attend.
"At the very least, he should have notified us in advance. This last-minute cancellation is unacceptable," Mr Sifuna said.
"This is not the John Mbadi I knew. I’m not sure what’s changed."
In a further jab, Mr Sifuna criticised the growing trend of government officials prioritising State House meetings over parliamentary duties.
"Do these State House meetings just pop up out of nowhere like surprise parties?" he quipped, urging the former ODM chairperson to take his responsibilities seriously.
The senator concluded by recalling the respect former President Mwai Kibaki had for the National Assembly, reminding CS Mbadi of the importance of accountability in public service.
