CS Barasa, PSs criticised for allegedly snubbing engagements with Senate

Public Health PS Mary Muthoni with CS Deborah Barasa when they appeared in the Senate on February 26, 2025/SCREENGRAB.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has faulted top health officials led by Cabinet Secretary Debra Barasa for allegedly snubbing crucial engagements with the Senate.

Cheruiyot alleged that Barasa and her two principal secretaries, Harry Kimtai and Mary Muthoni, have continued to treat the House with serious contempt by failing to attend crucial meetings on policy and pertinent health issues largely implemented at the county level.

He particularly cited the recent mid-term review meeting held in Naivasha.

“The CS says she was in Cabinet; what about the two PSs? Where was Harry? Where was Muthoni? Couldn’t they find their way to Naivasha?” he posed.

“How can you continue to interact with colleagues whose only interest in health matters is the budget allocation to your ministry? All policy-related activities are implemented at the counties.”

The Kericho Senator argued that the failure by the officials to provide adequate responses to questions raised by members was because they have not interacted with the House as should be.

He, however, urged the CS to retreat and furnish the Senate with all the updates on issues raised by Senators to restore cordial working relations with the representatives of the people.

Cheruiyot made the remarks on the floor of the house when Barasa appeared to answer questions from members.

When she rose to speak, Barasa assured the Senate of full cooperation moving forward.

“We appreciate the work of the Senate. Moving forward, I assure you that my Ministry will be working collaboratively with the Senate,” she explained.

She stated that for the three meetings they have been invited by the Senate Health Committee, they attended two and missed one.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargey had also voiced similar concerns saying the CS had left President to be explaining the issues surrounding SHA instead of them communicating it on a daily basis.