What began as a debate over changes to a key Senate committee quickly descended into a heated personal confrontation on Tuesday, forcing repeated interventions from the Speaker and exposing the political strains running through the House.
The exchange centred on the recent changes to the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), with Kakamega Senator Bonni Khalwale questioning the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the committee.
Khalwale suggested the decision was driven by politics rather than parliamentary procedure. He argued that if Sifuna’s removal was linked to his support for the opposition, then the same standard should have applied to Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, who also sits on the opposition benches.
“If the problem of Edwin is that he’s supporting the opposition, if that is the crime, why is Wambua still in position and he’s also supporting the opposition?” Khalwale asked.
He went on to urge Parliament to safeguard its independence, saying committees should be allowed to operate without outside political influence.
“Let Parliament function. Let committees work. Let the best among us chair committees,” he said.
His remarks drew an immediate objection from nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, who challenged him on a point of order. She argued that committee appointments and leadership changes follow parliamentary rules and accused Khalwale of making claims without evidence.
Temporary Speaker Catherine Mumma agreed that any allegations should be backed by facts and directed Khalwale to avoid making claims he could not substantiate.
The ruling, however, did little to cool the atmosphere.
Khalwale dismissed Nyamu’s intervention as an attempt to gain political attention, saying her efforts would not match what he described as his contribution to Kenya’s political landscape.
Nyamu responded sharply, accusing the veteran senator of using parliamentary privilege to belittle women leaders.
“Madam Speaker, Bonni Khalwale is using this House to insult and intimidate women. It is such a shame. He did that to Senator Tabitha another time; today it’s me. Address yourself to the issue that I have raised,” she said.
Speaker Mumma urged Khalwale to avoid remarks that questioned the abilities of fellow legislators and reminded members to remain focused on the matter before the House.
Khalwale later softened his tone, insisting he had no intention of damaging Nyamu’s reputation.
“But she can’t interrupt my flow of thoughts and expect to get away with it just like that,” he said.
With the dispute temporarily settled, senators returned to legislative business, including debate on the Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Nyamu.
The disagreement resurfaced during discussion of the Bill, with Nyamu alleging that Khalwale had encouraged colleagues to oppose her proposed law.
“Today, Bonni Khalwale, senator, I don’t know what he has against me. He has championed people to shoot down my bill on mining,” she said. “The entitlement with these older senators who think that they are the only ones who can bring a progressive bill to this House.”
The proposed legislation seeks to amend Kenya’s Mining Act by giving local communities a stronger voice in mining decisions and increasing their share of mineral royalties.
Speaker Mumma again intervened, directing Nyamu to either provide evidence for her claims or withdraw them.
Nyamu maintained that she could support her allegations.
“I have witnesses in this House, and I want to tell Senator Bonni Khalwale, if he wants to come and vie for Nairobi Woman Rep with me, he’s free to do so,” she said.
She added that women legislators should be allowed to carry out their parliamentary duties without intimidation.
“But if he wants to go low, Madam Speaker, we know how to go lower,” she said.
Khalwale did not respond to Nyamu’s latest allegations during the debate.
The confrontation highlighted the increasingly tense political atmosphere in the Senate, where disagreements over committee leadership and legislative priorities are increasingly spilling into personal exchanges. Despite the heated rhetoric, the House proceeded with its scheduled business after the Speaker’s repeated calls for order.
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