Kenyan senators have expressed outrage after National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi failed to appear before the Senate Finance and Budget Committee, likening the House’s treatment to that of a “village baraza.”
The controversy erupted when CS Mbadi skipped an important invitation to discuss the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and medium-term debt management strategies. The lawmakers, left waiting without any explanation, later received written responses from the CS — a move they unanimously rejected, insisting that Mbadi must appear in person.
Mandera Senator Ali Roba, the committee’s chairperson, emphasized their firm stance against absenteeism from key ministers. He recalled the positive working relationship they had with Mbadi’s predecessor, Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, who consistently honored Senate invitations.
“We enjoyed a cordial working relationship with Prof. Ndung’u who never failed to appear before us. We hope CS Mbadi has not carried the mentality of the National Assembly in the delivery of his mandate as a Cabinet secretary,” Roba said. “We are not a baraza where he just opts not to appear but sends responses.”
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale echoed Roba’s sentiments, warning that the committee would not tolerate what he described as “rogue ministers,” regardless of their affiliation with the current broad-based government.
“I hope Mbadi is not having what Americans call the feel-good effect. We will help you to remember that while discharging our mandate, we are blind to broad-based government intrigues,” Khalwale stated.
In his defense, CS Mbadi maintained that his absence should not undermine the committee’s work, noting that he had submitted his presentations, which could still enrich their final report. He further argued that his prior appearance before the National Assembly on the same issues underscored his commitment.
“I don’t think failure to appear before the committee will have any effect on their report. I shared my presentations, which can enrich their final report,” Mbadi said. He also called for greater harmony and information-sharing between the two Houses to avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts.
As tensions mount, the Senate Finance and Budget Committee stands firm, demanding direct engagement and accountability from Cabinet secretaries in matters of national finance and planning.
