Budget Debate and Accountability, Koimburi Incident, and Sectoral Concerns

Thursday 5 June, 2025 | Afternoon Session

The National Assembly convened for a packed afternoon session focused on multiple topics ranging from budget estimates and sectoral allocations to public apologies over misconduct, as well as updates on security incidents and leasing of sugar factories. The debate reflected a blend of emotional apologies, detailed budget deliberations, and accountability demands from key ministries. Members emphasized inclusivity, equitable allocation of resources, and greater scrutiny over controversial programs and public safety.

Bills Discussed

Ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction – Adopted
Learners with Disabilities Bill, Senate Bill No. 4 of 2023 – Scheduled for continued debate
Political Parties Amendment Bill (Bill No. 2), Senate Bill No. 26 of 2024 – Scheduled for debate
National Cohesion and Integration Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 74 of 2023 – Scheduled for debate
Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Committee of the Whole scheduled
Finance Bill, 2025 and Appropriations Bill, 2025 – Listed as upcoming priority items

Topics Discussed

Budget estimates and fiscal allocation for 2025–2026
Alleged misconduct and circulation of an MP altercation video
Leasing process of Miwani and Chemelil sugar factories
Illegal mining activities in Sigor constituency
Security situation in Kirinyaga and the murder of Rosalinda Akinyi
Status of school meals policy and capitation for education
Affirmative Action Fund underutilization in Kisii
Collapsed buildings in Bonchari constituency and oversight failures
Update on Hon. Koimburi’s alleged self-abduction and hospitalization
Regional equity in budget resource distribution
Student visits and civic education on parliamentary functions

Key Takeaways and Decisions

Apology by Hon. Mpuri Aburi was formally accepted by the House; implicated MP remains unnamed by Speaker's discretion
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen submitted reports on Kirinyaga’s security and murder investigations
Update on leasing of sugar factories confirmed awarded tenders, evaluation criteria, and ministry oversight
Committee on Education and other sectoral committees to return responses within two weeks on pending queries
Budget Office corrected a KES 300 million discrepancy in budget figures, confirmed via supplementary order paper
Budget vote to proceed with corrected figures on Tuesday 10 June 2025

Major Participants

Hon. Mpuri Aburi: Issued public apology for sharing video of MP altercation
Hon. Mulheri: Accepted apology but demanded further accountability from unnamed MP
Hon. Anthony Oluoch: Raised concern over school meals policy delays
Hon. Peter Lochakapong: Highlighted illegal mining in Sigor
Hon. Carol Omondi: Critiqued leasing process and demanded transparency on land and ownership structures
Hon. Charles Onchoke: Challenged CS statement on collapsed Bonchari buildings, called for justice
Hon. Joseph Gitari: Expressed frustration over Kirinyaga security lapses
Hon. Marianne Kitany: Sought comprehensive update on Koimburi incident
Hon. Tongoyo: Promised report on Koimburi, admitted difficulty accessing hospital reports
Hon. Dr. Mutunga: Presented detailed ministry response on sugar leasing
Hon. Kaluma: Defended equitable budgeting; praised Speaker’s role and explained parliamentary budget function to students
Hon. Rosa Buyu: Praised allocations to Nyanza and called for increased equity
Hon. Mark Mwenje: Celebrated fairer budget for his constituency after previous neglect

Key Moments

Highly emotional and symbolic apology by Hon. Aburi, invoking biblical forgiveness
Speaker withheld the name of a female MP implicated in circulating a controversial video to avoid escalation
MPs criticized the Ministry of Housing for inaccuracies and misstatements on Bonchari tragedy
Heated exchanges over Hon. Koimburi’s alleged staged disappearance and self-hospitalization
Speaker ruled that the National Assembly cannot be injuncted on a bill not yet introduced (NG-CDF case)
Debate showcased strong bipartisan consensus on broad-based equity in resource distribution

Notable Quotes

“The beginning of healing lies in the acknowledgement of wrongdoing and the uttering of one magic word: sorry.” – Speaker, on Hon. Aburi’s apology
“Only Parliament can objectively intervene and investigate this issue to logical conclusion.” – Hon. Ali Roba
“How can the impeached Deputy President know what gases Koimburi inhaled?” – Hon. Majority Leader
“You don’t inform an informer.” – Speaker, during Kaluma and Rosa Buyu’s debate exchange

This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using bunge-bits, an automated transcription and summarization tool.