Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri now says that the Senate needs to put in place tougher punishment on leaders who skip parliamentary summons.
Speaking on Thursday, Okenyuri said it is time the August House stopped being disregarded yet it has the power and means to take action against such individuals.
She insisted that this is the only way parliament can regain its respect across the country.
The Senator noted that the fine for failing to honour summons, which currently stands at Sh500,000 should be higher than the proposed Sh2 million by her Vihiga counterpart Godfrey Osotsi.
Okenyuri also called for the removal of anticipatory bail for these leaders.
“Parliament needs to stop being perceived as a toothless bulldog. Mr Speaker, Parliament approves the appointment of several state officials and parliament equally has the mandate to strip them of some of those positions they hold,” she said.
“I do not understand where people get the courage and guts not to honour parliamentary summons. Parliamentary summons needs to be honoured for the Senate to gain its rightful place in society. The Senate needs to bite more than it bites now and Senator Osotsi the proposal of raising it (fine) to Sh2 million needs to rise higher and also introduce a situation where some of these officials are not going to have anticipatory bail.”
Okenyuri said that issues of accountability are very crucial for the Kenya Kwanza administration and those in positions of leadership should lead by example.
She insisted that it was not going to be business as usual as she called on the Senate to ensure any sanctions administered were severe and enforceable.
“It shouldn't be easy for the 'big fish' to get away with some of the ills they commit,” she said.
Okenyuri said Kenya should emulate countries like Swaziland and South Africa which take serious measures when a leader fails to appear when summoned.
