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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s call for the arrest of Governor Johnson Sakaja by Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has ignited a heated debate in the political arena. The reason behind this move is Sakaja’s repeated failure to appear before the Senate Energy Committee to address the Mradi gas explosion in Embakasi. Sifuna and other committee members believe that Sakaja’s actions are obstructing the investigation and preventing justice from being served to the victims of the tragic incident.
The Mradi gas explosion in Embakasi on February 2 resulted in the loss of six lives and left over 200 people injured. The Senate Energy Committee, tasked with investigating the incident, summoned Governor Sakaja to provide crucial information and answer questions related to the explosion. However, Sakaja has continuously ignored the summons, leading the committee to take drastic action by fining him and calling for his arrest.
“The Senate Energy Committee investigating the Mradi gas explosion in Embakasi has resolved to fine Governor Sakaja another Sh500,000 and asked the IG of Police to arrest him and produce him before the committee on April 25, 2024,” Sifuna said on Thursday.
Sifuna’s insistence on Sakaja’s arrest stems from a sense of duty to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability among public officials. By evading the Senate’s summons, Sakaja is undermining the authority of the legislative body and hindering the investigation into a matter of public interest. Sifuna’s firm stance on this issue reflects his commitment to transparency and justice, even in the face of resistance from powerful figures like Sakaja.
In a statement, Johnson Sakaja defended his absence from the Senate hearings, stating that he takes his constitutional obligations seriously and has legitimate reasons for rescheduling appearances. However, his explanations have not satisfied the Senate Energy Committee members, who view his actions as a deliberate attempt to avoid accountability and dodge scrutiny.
“It is the same members who announced that I was out of the country on Monday who are now up in arms that I am away. I have appeared severally and will continue to do so. I have no reason not to answer to respond to any questions raised on Mradi or FY 20-22 audits. Sensationalizing a rescheduling and making the Senate appear as if it acts in vain is what belittles the house. Many appearances by other invitees have been rescheduled due to travel, infirmity or prior booked official engagements,” Sakaja wrote on his official X account.
The fact that Sakaja is also facing scrutiny from the County Public Accounts and Investments Committee for disregarding invitations and summons further compounds the situation. Questions have been raised about his leadership in addressing critical issues such as water scarcity, poor infrastructure, and waste management in Nairobi. The failure to address these pressing concerns has led to accusations of absenteeism and negligence on the part of Sakaja.
“Whoever is protecting Sakaja Johnson must know he is an accomplice and must look in the mirror and let justice prevail,” Ole Kina said.
Sifuna and his colleagues in the Senate are adamant about holding Sakaja accountable for his actions and ensuring that justice is served in the case of the Mradi gas explosion. They believe that no individual, regardless of their status or influence, should be above the law. By calling for Sakaja’s arrest, they are sending a strong message that public officials must be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability in the performance of their duties.
