Amid escalating nationwide protests claiming over 39 lives, the Senate today unleashed a blistering ultimatum aimed at the government, demanding immediate action to pacify a country in turmoil.
Led by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, the Senate's bold move challenges key institutions to confront the grievances fueling public outrage.
Cheruiyot, addressing the Senate floor with palpable urgency, declared, "We are deeply embarrassed that it has taken our children to expose our nakedness as leaders."
The Senate's demands, directed at the National Assembly under Speaker Moses Wetangula and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, underscore critical reforms needed to address public discontent sparked by President William Ruto's recent actions.
Some of the demands are to be met by the Parliament, while others are directed at government institutions like the police, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Ministry of Health.
Key Demands Include:
1. Speed Up Review of Presidential Memorandum: the National Assembly to expeditiously consider the presidential memorandum pursuant to Article 115(2)(a).
2. Austerity Measures Across Government: Urging all ministries, departments, agencies, and constitutional bodies to adopt stringent cost-cutting measures.
3. Ramped-Up Anti-Corruption Efforts: Calling on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and allied agencies to intensify the fight against corruption.
4. Police Reform and Restraint: Demanding an end to abductions, unlawful arrests, and extrajudicial killings by the National Police Service during protests.
5. Release of Detained Demonstrators: Immediate release of all individuals detained for participating in peaceful demonstrations.
6. Financial Support for Victims: Waiving hospital bills for the injured and covering funeral expenses for those killed during protests.
7. Judicial Expediency: Prioritising court cases related to the Finance Bill and associated protests to ensure swift justice.
Cheruiyot also voiced concern over the silence of Police Inspector General Japhet Koome amid the crisis, questioning his leadership during such critical times.
Cheruiyot's impassioned plea resonates with the urgency of the moment, urging genuine commitment from all stakeholders. "Unless we are serious, unless we are genuine, unless we are honest, let us not begin this conversation on the floor of the house this morning," he lamented.
According to Cheruiyot, the resolutions are a result of a private meeting held outside Parliament on Tuesday, July 2.
The nation now watches with bated breath as the Senate's ultimatum sets the stage for potential resolution or further escalation in the ongoing crisis.
