Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter has been fined Ksh500,000 for skipping Senate summons.
The CS was ordered to pay the money on Thursday, September 23, after failing to show up before the Senate Energy Committee.
CS Keter was also expected to share a status update on the situation at Kenya Power but he was a no-show, causing Senators to issue tough warnings to all Cabinet Secretaries.
Keter and his Petroleum and Mining counterpart John Munyes on Tuesday, September 21, snubbed summons by the Senate Committee where they were required to respond to fuel price increase.
On Wednesday the senate censured Munyes and Keter for snubbing their summons during a heated debate in the House. Senators termed their actions as disrespect not just to them but also to the Speaker who had ordered them to appear in person.
Senators pointed out that the two had ignored summons at a time when Kenyans are looking for solutions over the increased fuel prices and the two could have given the country an explanation.
Siaya Senator James Orengo told the lawmakers that the two ministers had treated the Hosue with contempt and they needed to face the music.
“The way Parliament is being treated, if you (CSs) have other business, then that business is more important than the Parliament summons or invitations,” Orengo said.
His Bungoma counterpart slammed CS Munyes after it emerged he was out of the country and he had requested the Committee to move the hearing to next week.
“Where does CS Energy get the audacity to say this matter does not concern him? We know both the high fuel and electricity costs are related. This country is hurting,” Senator Wetangula remarked.
Earlier Bomet Senator Christopher Langat had informed Senators that CS Munyes was notorious for ignoring summons adding that he had not shown up thrice when he was required to appear before the committee.
His sentiments were echoed by Petrolina Were who did not refrain from reprimanding CS Munyes over his laxity even when he appeared before the committee.
