Bunge Bits

The morning session of the Kenyan Senate on Wednesday 16th July 2025 involved appearances by Cabinet Secretaries Eric Mugo (Water) and Davis Chirchir (Transport and Roads) to respond to questions raised by Senators. Discussions primarily centered around infrastructure development, dam projects, irrigation schemes, and ongoing transportation initiatives. Topics Discussed Progress and financial constraints in the Wikifuki Irrigation Scheme, including solarization and fencing Use of privately owned vehicles by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Status and funding of major road projects such as the Mombasa–Mtwapa–Kilifi Road Compensation and land acquisition for Malindi International Airport expansion Delays and procurement issues surrounding dam projects in Embu, Kilifi, Marsabit, and Machakos Budget allocations and the stalled implementation of the Kenya Kwanza 1,000 dams plan Comparison of commuter rail vs. road expansion plans within Nairobi (e.g. Riruta–Ngong rail vs. Bomas–Kiserian road) Key Takeaways and Decisions A KES 400 million solarization proposal for Wikifuki has been submitted to Treasury; vandalized fencing is to be redone as part of the same concept note Cabinet Secretary confirmed that KeNHA uses private vehicles under performance-based maintenance contracts, not for official patrols Lot 1 of the Mombasa–Mtwapa–Kilifi Road (42% complete) is due Nov 2026; Lot 2 (64% complete) by Mar 2026, with lighting installation to begin mid-2025 Compensation for Malindi Airport landowners is underway after court-ordered reviews; over KES 424M previously disbursed for improvements, not land Large dams under Kenya Kwanza remain incomplete; only small-scale dams have progressed, with ongoing delays blamed on PPP financing challenges Ministry admitted no commuter rail project has yet reached full PPP closure; routes are prioritized based on traffic, land availability, and urban decongestion goals Major Participants Hon. Amason Kingi: Presided over the session CS Eric Mugo (Water and Irrigation) CS Davis Chirchir (Transport and Roads) Senator Enoch Mbua: Raised questions on the Wikifuki Irrigation Scheme Senator Joe Njuto: Queried KeNHA’s use of private vehicles Senator Stuart Mazayo: Asked about Mombasa–Kilifi Road and Malindi Airport Senator Agnes Kavindu: Raised concerns over delayed bridges and hippo attacks near Masinga Dam Senator Edwin Sifuna: Challenged commuter rail priorities and raised cost-benefit issues Other participating Senators: Fernando, Chute, Kisanga, Manzo, Okongo-Mogeni, Cherargei, Halwale, Poghisio, Bass Key Moments Senator Sifuna questioned the prioritization of commuter rail over road dualling, citing previous World Bank findings Senator Kavindu pressed for urgent fencing around dangerous rivers and dams where residents face attacks from wildlife Heated exchanges on delays in compensation, PPP delays, and accusations of favoritism in land acquisition and routing Clarification that no large dam under Kenya Kwanza's promised 1,000-dam initiative has been completed so far Several senators pressed for fast-tracking roads in their regions, with CS Chirchir committing to direct follow-up on stalled projects Notable Quotes “It is not cost-effective to maintain projects without adequate financial backing.” – CS Eric Mugo on the Wikifuki solarization delays “You cannot just build infrastructure without solving the land compensation issue.” – CS Davis Chirchir on delays in Malindi and Mtwapa “This is not about passengers only. Those 460 matatus mean jobs, livelihoods, and service.” – Senator Edwin Sifuna during rail vs. road debate This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.

Tuesday 15th July 2025, Afternoon Session The Senate's afternoon session on this date primarily focused on the discussion and allocation of funds critical to county development and addressing disparities across marginalized regions in Kenya. This involved deliberations on key financial bills, the distribution of revenue, and oversight of governmental accountability and delivery of services to the citizens. Bills Discussed Culture Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 12 of 2024 – Passed by the National Assembly and referred to the Senate for consideration. Kenya National Council for Population and Development Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 72 of 2023 – Passed by the National Assembly and referred to the Senate for consideration. Social Protection Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 12 of 2025 – Underwent Second Reading, focusing on reducing poverty and vulnerability. County Allocation of Revenue Bill, Senate Bill No. 9 of 2025 – Discussed and supported; outlines the distribution of funds among counties. Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill, Senate Bill No. 7 of 2025 – Discussed in relation to funds meant for marginalized areas to address public services disparities. Topics Discussed Distribution of the County Allocation of Revenue among counties Issues surrounding the pending bills and funding delays to counties The importance of timely disbursement of the Equalization Fund to marginalized areas Oversight challenges faced by county assemblies due to financial constraints Concerns about police conduct and public safety during demonstrations Key Takeaways and Decisions The House moved forward with crucial financial bills addressing county allocations and equalization fund disbursements. Efforts were made to ensure counties received sufficient funding to execute development projects and service delivery. The need for improved transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of public funds was highlighted. Major Participants Hon. Florence Mutinda: Vice Chair, Finance and Budget, emphasized the importance of equitable funding distribution to marginalized areas. Hon. Samson Cherargei: Supported County Allocation and Equalization Funds, stressing the need for financial integrity. Hon. John Methu: Highlighted oversight and operational challenges within county assemblies due to funding limitations. Key Moments There were debates over the inclusion of urban marginalized areas in the Equalization Fund, sparked by discussions on Nairobi's informal settlements. Concerns were raised about the national government's role in delaying equalization funds and the adverse impact on projects in marginalized regions. Notable Quotes “Money has value when it is released on time.” – Hon. John Methu, discussing the importance of timely fund disbursement. This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.

The Senate session centered on a heated and far-reaching debate over the branding of public projects with names and images of political leaders, particularly governors and MCAs. Sparked by a petition from Mr. Laban Omusundi, the House discussed the ethical, legal, and financial implications of personalizing taxpayer-funded infrastructure. Omusundi petitioned the Senate to amend the County Governments Act to outlaw such branding and standardize public project signage. Senators unanimously supported the spirit of the petition and expanded the conversation to include governance failures, youth unrest, integrity in leadership, and oversight challenges. Bills Discussed Social Protection Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 12 of 2025 – Division ongoing Conflict of Interest Bill – Consideration of presidential reservations continued Topics Discussed Misuse of public resources for personal gain or political branding Personalization of county and national projects through portraits, billboards, and plaques Duplication of government projects across national, county, and donor agencies Oversight failures, especially by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Broader reflections on integrity, constitutional values, and political accountability Role of civic petitions and public participation in shaping oversight Key Takeaways and Decisions Amendment to the County Governments Act was recommended to outlaw branding of public assets with names/images of individuals. The EACC, in collaboration with the Attorney General and Controller of Budget, was tasked to enforce compliance and report back to the Senate within 30 days. Senators called for standardized signage that attributes projects to “the taxpayers of Kenya”. There were strong calls for barring violators from seeking office under Chapter 6 of the Constitution. Several senators urged civic education and active oversight by the public and institutions. Major Participants Laban Omusundi: Petitioner from Nakuru whose civic work was widely praised. Senator Catherine Muma: Emphasized constitutional violations; called for disqualification of violators from public office. Senator Edwin Sifuna: Fiercely criticized the EACC and personalization of public projects; called for signage to reflect public ownership. Senator Samson Cherargei: Criticized the EACC as ineffective and challenged its ability to tackle county-level corruption. Senator Chute: Supported the petition and highlighted absurd examples like MCAs branding pit latrines. Senator Karen Nyamu: Questioned the value of repeated rebranding and praised the petition's relevance to equity in governance. Senator Murango: Delivered a vivid parable (Simba and Mbweha) warning against naïveté in falling for political theater. Senator Tabitha Mutinda: Urged honest dialogue on youth frustration and law enforcement conduct. Senator Wambua, Senator Sigei, Senator Mariam Omar, and others contributed substantively. Key Moments EACC Criticism: Multiple senators expressed doubt in EACC’s capacity. Senator Cherargei noted their “highest conviction” was a KES 20,000 bribe. Sifuna vs. Cherargei on Presidential Plaques: Senator Sifuna criticized the President's name appearing on public plaques and billboards, stating that “Your taxes built this” should replace personalized inscriptions. Senator Cherargei objected under Standing Order 101, calling Sifuna’s comments an “obsession with the President” and improper as the President couldn’t defend himself. Speaker Kathuri Murungi intervened, cautioning Sifuna under Standing Order 121, advising him to avoid naming state officers unless via a substantive motion. Sifuna acknowledged the guidance but reiterated the principle of depersonalizing public assets. Committee's Role: The Devolution Committee, led by Senator Abbas and supported by Senators Chute and Muma, was commended for inviting Omusundi and engaging deeply with the petition. Colorful analogies: Senator Murango’s parable likening branded billboards to misleading insecticide packaging (e.g. “Doom” with a mosquito image) drew laughter and applause. Notable Quotes “A leader should ensure they perform as per the required mandates, not how many billboards they've put.” — Senator Karen Nyamu “When we attach our names to public resources, we compromise public interest for personal gain.” — Senator Catherine Muma “If you want your name on a billboard, use your salary. Not taxpayer money.” — Senator Chute “We should treat putting your name on a public toilet as the same offense as stealing it.” — Senator Sifuna “Some governors have faces so grim they scare children from classrooms when posted at the door.” — Senator Murango This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.

The Senate's afternoon session on Wednesday, 9th July 2025, faced procedural interruptions due to quorum issues and focused on multiple statement requests and the consideration of the President's recommendations on the Conflict of Interest Bill. The session saw deliberations paused intermittently due to insufficient attendance, eventually leading to an adjournment. Bills Discussed The Seeds and Plant Varieties Amendment Bill, Senate Bills No. 4 of 2025 – First Reading The Social Protection Bill, National Assembly Bills No. 12 of 2025 – Second reading deferred pending adequate quorum for voting The Conflict of Interest Bill, National Assembly Bills No. 12 of 2023 – Consideration of President's recommendations delayed due to quorum issues Topics Discussed Welfare of teachers in arid and semi-arid regions Shortage of essential medicines in counties Rice importation processes and impacts Demolition and compensation issues in Kisumu County Electricity access issues in Nairobi Key Takeaways and Decisions The Senate faced recurring issues with quorum, leading to adjournment of discussions and votes, notably affecting the Conflict of Interest Bill. Major Participants Senator Enoch Wambua: Raised concerns over the welfare of teachers in Kitui County Senator Edwin Sifuna: Requested a statement on electricity access in Nairobi City County Senator Mandago: Criticized clauses related to asset declaration and the definition of affinity in the Conflict of Interest Bill Key Moments The session repeatedly stalled due to lack of quorum, reminiscent of the morning session's adjournment. Notable Quotes “The mistakes of a father will never be condemned to a child.” – Referenced during debates on the Conflict of Interest Bill regarding the definition of relative and affinity. This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.

The Senate morning session on Wednesday, 9th July 2025, was characterized by an inability to attain quorum, resulting in the adjournment of proceedings. The session was set to discuss several motions, including those related to health infrastructure and the welfare of public service interns, but no official business could commence due to insufficient attendance. Bills Discussed No bills were discussed due to the lack of quorum. Topics Discussed Establishment of national teaching and referral hospitals Welfare of interns in the Public Service Commission Implementation of an automated system for issuing certificates of good conduct Key Takeaways and Decisions The session was adjourned due to the inability to attain the required quorum of 15 senators. Major Participants Hon. Kathuri Murungi: Presided over the session as the Deputy Speaker Hon. Samson Cherargei: Moved a motion concerning the welfare of interns Hon. Jonas Maruma: Proposed a motion on establishing national teaching and referral hospitals Key Moments Two rounds of quorum bells were rung, but the required number of senators was not present. The Deputy Speaker announced the adjournment due to lack of quorum. Notable Quotes None due to the session adjournment before discussions. This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.

The special sitting of the Kenyan Senate convened to address the impeachment proceedings against Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan of Isiolo County focused primarily on two preliminary motions. The session revolved around whether the Isiolo County Assembly held legitimate sittings on 18th and 26th June 2025, to deliberate on the governor's impeachment. It concluded with a vote to uphold the preliminary objection, terminating the proceedings. Topics Discussed Legitimacy of Isiolo County Assembly sittings on 18th and 26th June Procedural adherence in impeachment processes Security concerns in Isiolo County post-impeachment debate The role of Senate in oversight and maintaining procedural integrity Key Takeaways and Decisions The Senate voted to terminate the impeachment proceedings based on the lack of evidence for legitimate assembly sittings on the specified dates. The impeachment proceedings against Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan of Isiolo County were officially terminated. A directive was issued to address security concerns expressed by Senator Fatuma Dulo about Isiolo County following the impeachment attempt. Major Participants Senator Fatuma Dulo: Expressed significant concerns about security in Isiolo County and the integrity of the impeachment process. Senate Majority Leader (Senator Aaron Cheruiyot): Moved the motion regarding the preliminary objections and discussed the broader implications of procedural adherence in impeachment cases. Key Moments The heartfelt plea by Senator Fatuma Dulo detailing the precarious security situation in Isiolo County and concerns following the Senate's decision. Rigorous legal exchanges between counsel for the Governor (Mr. Kimuli) and for the County Assembly (Mr. Nyandega), centering on the legitimacy of the 18th and 26th June sittings. Disputes arose over the authenticity of Hansards, contradictory affidavits regarding the County Clerk, and whether valid sittings had occurred at all. These arguments heavily influenced the Senate's final decision. The Senate Majority Leader's closing remarks emphasizing the importance of resolving underlying governance issues in Isiolo County, despite the procedural termination. Notable Quotes “The security of all persons is not a matter to be taken lightly.” – Reflecting the Senate's commitment to addressing safety concerns in Isiolo. “This is not a win... it is a postponement of your case.” – Senate's caution to Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan regarding the temporarily averted proceedings. This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.

The session primarily focused on the impeachment proceedings against the Governor of Isiolo County. The Senate was engaged in a preliminary hearing to determine whether the impeachment process in Isiolo County was conducted lawfully, examining claims of procedural violations and the legitimacy of the motion against the Governor. Topics Discussed Legitimacy of Isiolo County Assembly's impeachment motion Allegations of procedural violations in the assembly process Role and credibility of the Isiolo County Assembly Clerk Validity of Hansards and assembly session recordings Impact of court decisions on Senate's impeachment proceedings Key Takeaways and Decisions The Senate decided to suspend the session for 30 minutes to prepare and circulate a supplementary order paper. A vote is anticipated to determine whether to continue with the impeachment hearing or accept the preliminary objections. Major Participants Senator Aaron Cheruiyot (Majority Leader): Raised concerns about contradictory affidavits regarding who the Isiolo Clerk was at the time. Speaker of the Senate: Provided procedural guidance and managed the session. Counsel for the Governor and County Assembly: Presented arguments regarding the validity and procedural integrity of the impeachment process. Senator Boni Khalwale, Senator Manzo, Senator Omtatah, Senator Karungo, Senator Kavindu, and others: Sought clarifications on whether legal and procedural thresholds were met. Key Moments The Senate was shown videos alleged to demonstrate vandalism and disruption of the Isiolo Assembly’s Hansard office, impacting the credibility of recorded proceedings. Contentious exchanges over who the legitimate Clerk was and whether a sitting of the Assembly took place. Debate over whether a High Court order invalidating the impeachment motion should prevent the Senate from proceeding. This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.

Tuesday 8 July, 2025 | Morning Session The special morning session of the Senate was convened to address the proposed removal from office by impeachment of Honorable Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, the Governor of Isiolo County. The session primarily focused on preliminary objections concerning the validity of the impeachment process and accompanying court orders. Topics Discussed Impeachment process and legal challenges Examination of procedural adherence Validity of court orders affecting Senate jurisdiction Constitutional interpretation of separation of powers Public interest and the governance process Key Takeaways and Decisions The Senate engaged in a detailed evaluation of preliminary objections raised by the Governor's legal team. No final decision was rendered at this session; proceedings were to resume later in the day to address responses and allow for further discussion. Major Participants Mr. Paul Nyamodi: Presented arguments against the preliminary objections, defending the County Assembly's process. Elisha Ongoya: Lead Counsel for the Governor argued the preliminary objections and the impact of court orders. Eric Murioki: Represented the County Assembly, emphasizing the importance of continuing the proceedings. Key Moments The presentation by the Governor's Counsel questioning the validity of the County Assembly sessions and the impeachment resolution. Heated exchanges regarding the interpretation and application of constitutional and legal standards. This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.

Tuesday 8th July, 2025 | Morning Session The Senate convened for a special sitting focused on the impeachment proceedings against the Governor of Isiolo County, Honorable Abdi Ibrahim Hassan. The session commenced the investigation into charges of gross violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct, and abuse of office. This sitting was part of a scheduled three-day proceeding meant to determine whether the impeachment by the Isiolo County Assembly should be upheld. Bills Discussed No bills were discussed during this session. Topics Discussed Impeachment proceedings for Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Procedures for impeachment as per Senate rules Allegations of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws Accusations of abuse of office involving appointments Claims of gross misconduct and public statements Presentation of evidence and testimonies in impeachment cases Historical context and comparison of previous gubernatorial impeachments Key Takeaways and Decisions The Senate engaged in a closed-door preparatory session to review the rules and procedures for the impeachment hearings. Specific timelines and rules of engagement were established for the three-day impeachment hearing. Official withdrawal of the public and media for the closed session was directed by the Chair. Major Participants Hon. Amazon Kingi: Speaker, presided over the proceedings and set the framework for the impeachment hearings. Various legal representatives, both for the Isiolo County Assembly and Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, prepared to present their cases. Key Moments The Speaker directed a cessation of public broadcasting and ordered a media withdrawal from the impeachment preparatory session, outlining the importance of confidentiality in initial proceedings. Notable Quotes No notable quotes were present in the transcript. This summary was generated from official YouTube livestreams of the Kenyan Parliament using *bunge-bits*, an automated transcription and summarization tool.