Speaker Kingi Criticises Khalwale Over Gachagua's Grilling in Parliament

From left to right: Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
From left to right: Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
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Speaker of the Senate, Amason Kingi on Tuesday, March 28, slammed Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale who sought clarification on whether Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ought to appear before the House to answer questions on matters regarding devolution. 

Speaking during Senate proceedings, Khalwale noted that the Office of the Deputy President would be best suited to answer questions on matters of devolution since it does not have ministerial representation in cabinet.

The Senator also sought clarification on whether Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) were legally obligated to appear before the House on behalf of the CSs.

DP Rigathi Gachagua attends a church service in Nandi on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
DP Rigathi Gachagua attends a church service in Nandi on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
William Ruto

"Most of the questions in the Senate unlike in the National Assembly will lean towards Devolution. In the structure of the current government, there is no CS for Devolution, however, there is a Principal Secretary in the Office of the DP responsible for devolution. 

"I wanted you to clarify whether it will be clear that the DP would be responding to questions regarding devolution. Also, clarify whether CASs will have a role lest they end up being sent here when we don't expect them," Khalwale stated. 

Responding to the query, Kingi noted that the matter was already settled during a previous session and urged Khalwale to peruse the records and acquaint himself with the amendments on the matter. 

"Senator Khalwale, that is not a point of order. Secondly, when this matter was debated, amendments were debated and passed on the floor of the House, you were not here. I kindly implore you to take the time to read the amendments. All the concerns you have are contained therein," the speaker affirmed.

The speaker also slammed Khalwale, a veteran politician, for moving in the chamber while the chair was on his feet, against the standing orders of the house.

"Senator Boni, you have been in this chamber longer than anyone else, I suppose. When the chair is speaking or standing, you don't move from your chair. Kindly, resume your seat and take this as your first warning for the afternoon, you are out of order," Kingi ordered.

According to communication from National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula, Cabinet Secretaries will now be required to appear before the National Assembly every Wednesday afternoon for a maximum of three hours. 

Speaker Amason Kingi addressing the Senate on March16, 2023..jpg
Speaker Amason Kingi addressing the Senate on March 16, 2023.
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