The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday revealed it had found Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko guilty of verbally assaulting Governor Evans Kidero during a committee hearing held on June 15.
However, the PAC found Sonko innocent on accusations of physically assaulting Kidero during the heated session.
The Nairobi Senator referred to Governor Kidero as a murderer and a thief in land disputes but has in the past declined to apologise for the comments.
“In view of evidence adduced, the committee found the allegation of verbal assault made by Kidero against Sonko substantiated,” stated PAC Chairman Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o.
“Based on findings and having reviewed the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, the committee recommended disciplinary action against Sonko by requiring him to apologise to the Senate at the Bar of the Senate,” Nyong’o added.
The PAC report stated that physical assault can only occur if "there is a threat or attempt to inflict offensive physical contact or bodily harm on a person that puts the person in immediate danger", adding that the scuffle between Kidero and Sonko did not meet that definition.
“The committee found there was indeed a scuffle between Kidero and Sonko but the allegation of physical assault was not substantiated,” the report tabled in the Senate concluded.
PAC recommended the Hansard record reflecting the altercation and allegations made by Sonko against Kidero be expunged from committee records.
The committee investigations were prompted by a complaint filed by Kidero, following the seemingly violent encounter with the Nairobi Senator.
