Treasury CS Risks Ksh 500K Fine For Snubbing Parliamentary Summons

Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u could face a fine of Ksh 500,000 after once again failing to honor summons to appear before the National Energy Committee in the National Assembly.

This marks the fourth time the CS has snubbed the committee’s summons, leaving members frustrated and demanding accountability.

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The committee had scheduled a crucial meeting on Thursday, where CS Njuguna was expected to shed light on the Ministry’s involvement in the procurement of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), a matter that has come under intense scrutiny due to its alleged contribution to the high cost of electricity in Kenya.

Additionally, the CS was to provide insights into the process of issuing letters of support to these IPPs.

Despite confirming his attendance in writing just one day prior, the CS was conspicuously absent, sparking outrage among committee members who had made sacrifices to attend the meeting.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo expressed his frustration, saying, “The CS wrote to us to be here at 9 am; we left our engagements to be here. It’s condescending, and I think it’s a total waste of time to listen to them. They should just go back.”

Geoffrey Mulanya, the Nambale MP, shared similar sentiments, stating that he had to rearrange his schedule to attend the committee, only to be met with the CS’s absence.

Committee chair Vincent Musyoka had no option but to postpone the meeting as members grew increasingly unwilling to listen to the ministry officials.

Musyoka said, “This is the third time the CS is refusing to appear. We have given him many chances, but confirming his appearance in writing yesterday and then failing to show up is not respectful to the committee. The CS will be summoned to appear on a date to be confirmed; this is not an invitation anymore.”

The National Energy Committee’s investigation into the soaring cost of electricity in the country has been ongoing, with IPPs under suspicion as one of the major contributors to the financial burden faced by Kenyan consumers.

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CS Njuguna Ndung’u’s repeated refusal to appear before the committee has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the energy sector. As the nation grapples with high electricity costs, Kenyans eagerly await answers and solutions to alleviate this burden.

It remains to be seen what actions will be taken against the CS, but the committee’s determination to get to the bottom of the matter seems unwavering, and Kenyans are watching closely for the resolution of this pressing issue.