Drama unfolded in the Senate on Wednesday, May 14, after Migori Senator Eddy Oketch was kicked out over disorderly conduct.
The incident happened during Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s appearance at the Upper House, resulting in a temporary halt of activities at the Senate.
The moment began after a seemingly prolonged debate between Oketch and the interim Speaker at the time involving questions to be presented before CS Duale. Oketch had requested a query on the issue of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to be prioritised, a point which the stand-in Speaker Catherine Mumma objected to.
The situation grew tense, with the Speaker even describing Oketch as a “nuisance” and even threatening to have him kicked out. Oketch proceeded to take his seat as his Nandi counterpart, Samson Cherargei, began to speak.
However, Cherargei’s comments were overshadowed by the squabble between Oketch and the Speaker. Immediately after Cherargei stopped speaking, the Speaker requested Oketch to withdraw from the House.
Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed a Sergeant at arms approaching Oketch to seemingly escort him out of the chambers, but the Senator stayed put, defying the Speaker’s instructions. Oketch could be heard asking, “On what basis?” as the official approached him.
“Senator Eddy, pursuant to Standing Order 121, I have cited you for disorderly conduct. I have hereby directed that you leave the House. The Sergeant at arms can proceed to move him out,” the Speaker averred.
Furious after the Mumma’s directive, Oketch protested over her decision, claiming he had been polite in his request before the Speaker. By this time, multiple Serjeants at arms had surrounded the Senator, who was upstanding and bellowing in the direction of the Speaker.
The state of affairs attracted the attention of other Senators who had converged around Oketch, perhaps in an effort to prevent the situation from boiling over.
CS Duale, who was preparing to respond to Cherargei’s question, watched the whole incident unfold from the sidelines as activities were temporarily suspended.
The Speaker, unmoved in her directive, urged Oketch to adhere to her orders so as not to destabilise the current session.
“Senator Eddy, I have directed that you withdraw from the House. Sergeant at arms, we will not proceed unless you escort Senator Eddy out. Please do not defy the orders of this House,” she asserted.
The Senators, led by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, sought an address with Oketch, who remained defiant in his resolve.
Finally, after a period of cajoling by the leaders and the House officers, Oketch left the chambers in the company of some Senators, paving the way for CS Duale to resume his address.
