The Senate Labor Committee has formally summoned three Cabinet Secretaries and the head of Kenya Railways Corporation after they failed to attend a scheduled meeting to address long-standing pension disputes involving former Kenya Railways employees.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, and Labor CS Alfred Mutua were ordered to appear before the committee on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at County Hall Mini Chamber. Kenya Railways Corporation Managing Director Philip Mainga was also included in the summons.
In an official communication issued Monday, the committee confirmed the summons followed their no-show at a session convened to review the unpaid pensions owed to Kenya Railways retirees, a matter that has dragged on for years.
“They are kindly requested to appear before the Committee… Your cooperation is appreciated as we work together to address key national matters,” the committee’s statement read.
The agenda also includes one-off honorariums for former councilors and follow-up issues from a Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) petition.
The no-show triggered backlash from senators, especially after CS Mbadi had been explicitly warned not to skip Monday’s session. Instead, he sent Public Investments Principal Secretary Cyrell Wagunda Odede prompting the committee to reject the representation.
“We now understand that this will continue to drag because decisions are made at the Cabinet level,” said Committee Chair and West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor. “The longer it delays, the more we’re seen as non-performers.”
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua accused CS Mbadi of treating the Senate with contempt, noting that as a former Member of Parliament, he should understand the importance of accountability.
“Appearing before Parliament is not a favor,” said Wambua. “The CS understands this better than most.”
The committee previously threatened sanctions against CS Mbadi, including being held in contempt of Parliament, if he failed to attend again. Monday’s session was considered a final opportunity before action would be taken.
The standoff now puts the spotlight back on unresolved pension claims which have sparked protests among retirees in recent years. The Senate has been under increasing pressure to enforce accountability and deliver answers to hundreds of affected former public servants.
The committee said the summoned officials must appear in person on the scheduled date. Failure to comply may trigger further parliamentary action.
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