The Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee has summoned three Cabinet Secretaries and the Managing Director of Kenya Railways Corporation after they failed to attend a key session scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025.

Those summoned include National Treasury CS John Mbadi, Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Labour CS Alfred Mutua, and Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga. They are now expected to appear before the committee on Wednesday, August 20.

A statement released by the Senate on Monday confirmed the summons, saying, “Your cooperation is appreciated as we work together to address key national matters.”

The move comes amid growing concern over delayed pension payments for retired Kenya Railways workers and former Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) staff, along with unpaid death and disability benefits for public servants and a long-pending honorarium for former councillors.

Committee Chairperson Senator Julius Murgor voiced frustration at the delays, stating that the issues cannot be resolved without Cabinet-level decisions.

“The longer these drags, the more we are seen as non-performers,” he said.

The committee had earlier rejected the appearance of Principal Secretary Cyrell Wagunda Odede, insisting only Cabinet Secretaries could offer binding commitments on the raised matters.

Other senators echoed Murgor’s concerns. Senator Samuel Seki of Kajiado questioned the usefulness of proceeding without key decision-makers, while Vice-Chairperson Crystal Asige accused the officials of repeatedly snubbing parliamentary oversight.

“We’ve called upon the CS on several issues under his docket, and he keeps failing to show up. We need strong decisions and accountability,” she remarked.

Senator Enock Wambua emphasized the constitutional obligation of public officials to appear before Parliament, saying, “It’s not a favor, it’s a requirement. Let us not weaken the authority of this House by giving them options.”

The committee’s firm stance signals renewed pressure on the executive to resolve long-standing grievances affecting thousands of public servants and retirees, many of whom continue to suffer due to delayed payments and unfulfilled state promises.