CS Wahome faces pressure to explain absences
A letter from her office, received on May 5, outlined her unavailability for the meeting.
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome is under growing scrutiny after missing a record seven Senate summonses regarding land issues affecting Kenyans, particularly in areas suffering from disputes, evictions, and environmental concerns.
The Senate Lands Committee, led by Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, had requested Wahome’s attendance to address petitions that span several critical topics.
These include the forced eviction of squatters, land disputes, and pollution from industrial activities, all of which continue to impact many communities across the country.
However, Wahome has failed to show up for any of these meetings, prompting strong reactions from committee members.
The senators have now given the Lands CS an ultimatum, demanding her presence between May 12 and May 15 to explain her repeated absences.
In her most recent absence, Wahome cited official duties in the United States, stating that she was attending the World Bank Land Conference in Washington, DC.
A letter from her office, received on May 5, outlined her unavailability for the meeting.
While the committee acknowledged Wahome's timely communication for the latest meeting, frustration remains over her failure to attend previous sessions.
“We want her to come and explain why she has been treating us with contempt. Her failure to show up has delayed our work and is worsening the suffering of many Kenyans,” Senator Faki said, addressing the rising discontent among the committee members.
Faki also emphasized that the committee's patience has limits. Although Wahome’s latest explanation was deemed reasonable, senators are still waiting for an explanation regarding her past no-shows.
“We are not treating her with kid gloves. We expect her to provide answers for the previous absences,” Faki remarked, pointing out that previous attempts to contact Wahome’s office had gone unanswered.
The committee escalated matters after sending several requests that were ignored. They eventually issued a formal summons, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
"A summons is more serious than an invite," Faki said, explaining the growing urgency of the matter.
Senator James Murango from Kirinyaga emphasized that the current committee is dealing with this situation for the first time. "We don't know what was explained to the previous committee," he said. "But for us, this is the first time we are summoning her, and we need clear answers."
Murango expressed concern about the impact Wahome’s lack of response has had on the livelihoods of many Kenyans. "If you give an old man with no teeth a sugar cane, it is no longer a gift but contempt," he added, drawing a sharp comparison to the government's perceived indifference.
The Senate Lands Committee has been conducting thorough investigations into land-related issues, including the plight of squatters across various regions of Kenya.
Recently, the committee visited Mwabundusi farm in Kisii County, where squatters have been living for years without official title deeds. These individuals face displacement, and the land's ownership is under dispute.
The committee also toured Sukari Industries in Homa Bay County, where concerns have been raised about the company’s pollution of Lake Victoria by releasing hazardous waste into the water.
In addition, the committee investigated a controversial Sh24 million dam project in Teso, Busia County, which has been deemed substandard and a poor allocation of resources.
The committee’s visits highlight the range of issues it is addressing, but these efforts are being hindered by the absence of a key figure in the Ministry of Lands.
The committee is also investigating the settlement of 1,300 people on land acquired from a ranch in Taita Taveta County. The government-backed settlement program has raised concerns about its management and long-term sustainability.
Despite Wahome’s explanation for missing the latest meeting, Senator Faki insisted that she must still answer for her previous absences.
"We have accepted her explanation for missing the last meeting, but she will have to answer for her previous absences," Faki said, underlining the importance of her appearance in person.
With land issues affecting countless Kenyans, including squatters and those facing eviction, the senators are hoping Wahome’s appearance will bring much-needed clarity and solutions
