Senators vow to defend their role

Senators have vowed to defend their institution from attacks by the Judiciary, governors and the National Assembly, regardless of their party affiliation.

Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki said the Senate was under attack and it was their duty to protect it.

He made the remarks during a retreat for senators at Serena Beach Hotel in Mombasa. The theme of the retreat is The place of the Senate in Driving the Devolution Agenda for Kenya.

Prof Kindiki said: All of us are under attack and the spirit of togetherness must prevail to overcome the challenges.”

He continued: “There are people out there who think that the Senate is the place to vent out their frustrations.”

He praised the 40 senators who turned up for the two-day retreat to take stock of their success and challenges since they came into office.

“Let us not lament and condemn each other but be constructive about the future of the Senate in devolution to exercise our devolution roles,” he said.

On accountability of the governors, he assured Kenyans that it was a matter of time and they would appear before the committee in the House to respond to allegations of financial misappropriation.

“The governors, for now, will hide at Press conferences, political rallies, and the courts, but one day they will be before the Senate to account for their deeds,” said Prof Kindiki.

Minority Leader Moses Wetang’ula said: “It’s regrettable that after a year, we have not created time to evaluate counties and now the way forward is to move in that direction.”

Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro said the senate would debate proposals to ensure implementation of devolution succeeds.