Senator Maanzo files censure motion against Ruto, cites failure to protect Kenyans

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has filed a censure motion against President William Ruto in the Senate.

The senator cited the President's failure to address critical issues facing Kenyans.

In his motion, Maanzo argues that Ruto, as the Chair of the National Security Council, did not adequately protect the lives of citizens during the anti-government protests in Nairobi.

''Concerned that Article 25(a) (c) provides for rights and fundamental freedoms which CANNOT be limited; the right to freedom from torture and cruel inhuman treatment or degrading treatment or punishment, right to fair trial bearing in mind the recent abductions, torture, and disappearances of Kenyans,’’ the Senator said.

The lawmaker further argued that the President had overseen the government’s management but failed to ensure that Kenyans received better services through the devolved units.

Maanzo also accused Ruto of delaying the disbursement of funds to counties.

’’I am concerned that William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, is the Head of State and Government under Article 131 and the Chairperson of the National Security Council, has failed to protect Kenyans against police brutality and killings and has reduced the allocation to counties and delayed financing to devolved units, causing untold suffering to Kenyans who are sick by failing to fully devolve Health and Agriculture as required by Schedule (4) of the constitution,’’ the senator added.

Going further, The Senator also wants the President censured for presiding over the rollout of key government projects without the public participation of Kenyans.

He also argued that many citizens have been marginalized due to the lack of involvement in the participatory framework of programs such as the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), University education fees module, Affordable Housing, and Airport Leasing, among others.

‘‘Further concerned that the said breach of the constitution by President William Samoei Ruto has marginalized sections of Kenyans and continues to heighten tension among different segments of the population due to the lack of proper public participation on SHIF, SHA, University education fees module, Affordable Housing, Airport Leasing, among others, in contradiction of Articles 10(2), 119(1), 174(c), and 232(1), which demeans the high office of the President of the Republic of Kenya.’’

The censure motion against the President comes as an impeachment motion against his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua is set to be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, October 1.

It also mirrors a recent development where Tana River Senator Danson Mungata filed a censure motion against DP Gachagua on September 23, 2024, over his conduct.