Nairobi, Kenya — September 24, 2025, 16:10 EAT

Senators have sharply criticised Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome after she failed to appear before the Senate in a scheduled plenary session, drawing accusations of contempt and disrespect toward the House. 

The Latest

• Senate Speaker Amason Kingi revealed that Wahome sent a letter late the previous evening (7 p.m.) notifying that she would miss the session, citing travel abroad. 

• Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot accused her of treating the institution with disdain, stating: “This is an institution. You cannot write to us at 7 pm to excuse yourself from appearing the following day.” 

• Senator Edwin Sifuna, who had planned to table two questions for the CS, expressed frustration over land-grabbing concerns in Nairobi, saying Wahome’s absence was “contemptuous.” 

• Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua warned the House that if no CS is held accountable, absenteeism will become normal among ministers. 

Context & Stakes

• Wahome was to answer questions related to land grab complaints in Nairobi, including disputed parcels in South C, Makadara, Kasarani, and a playground in Buruburu. 

• Senators have long expressed frustration with CSs failing to honour Senate summonses or appearing late, citing the practice as undermining legislative oversight. 

Legal & Institutional Implications

• Under Senate Standing Orders (e.g. 51(d)), the Senate has the authority to censure or penalise public officers who fail to appear when summoned. 

• The Senate has proposed that absentee CSs should face fines or formal sanctions to enforce respect for parliamentary summonses. 

• The debate raises questions about the balance between executive privilege and legislative oversight, and how to enforce accountability without overreaching.

Risks, Repercussions & Scenario

• Precedent risk: Allowing CSs to skip sessions without penalty may erode Senate authority over time.

• Blame game: Wahome may argue legitimate reasons (travel, urgency, lack of readiness), leading to a standoff over credibility.

• Sanctions political costs: If the Senate fines or censures her, it could escalate tensions between the legislature and executive.

• Public perception: The public may view the clash as an example of weak accountability or institutional conflict, depending on how the matter is handled.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Whether Wahome will provide a detailed explanation or documentation to justify her absence.

• What specific sanctions (if any) the Senate will impose under its rules.

• Whether this becomes a precedent (i.e. more CSs skipping without consequences) or a turning point in enforcement.

• How this will influence ongoing investigations or hearings on land issues.

What to Watch

• Whether the Senate formally moves to censure or fine Wahome under its rules.

• The CS’s response — in writing or through media — defending or apologising.

• Reactions from the Executive (President’s Office, Cabinet) regarding Senate authority.

• Any legislative proposals to strengthen enforcement of summonses to ministers.