Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs) and John Mbadi (Treasury). Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi face mounting pressure from Parliament after being summoned by the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare. The two senior officials have been accused of repeatedly failing to appear before the committee despite multiple invitations over critical issues involving former employees of state corporations.
According to the Senate clerk, the committee had extended several invitations in the past year, but both ministers either declined or sought postponements. Their absence has now escalated into a confrontation that could see them fined or even jailed if they fail to comply.
Disputes over pension and benefits
Oparanya was first summoned in August 2024 to address concerns raised in a petition on unpaid terminal benefits for former employees of the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) and unremitted deductions to Maziwa Sacco. Despite seven reminders, including the latest on August 4, 2025, the CS has failed to appear before the committee, often sending letters of apology requesting new dates.
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Treasury CS John Mbadi faces a similar case. He was initially invited last year to provide updates on delayed pension payments for members of the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme. While he submitted initial responses, he has skipped at least eight follow-up summons. On August 4, he requested another postponement, which the committee rejected.
Committee members argue that the continued absence of the two ministers has frustrated efforts to resolve long-standing grievances affecting hundreds of workers and pensioners. The petitions, they say, highlight urgent welfare concerns that Parliament cannot ignore.
Threat of penalties and arrest
In letters addressed to the two CSs, the Senate warned that their non-compliance could trigger serious consequences. They have been ordered to appear in person at Parliament buildings this morning at 10 a.m., or risk facing fines of up to Ksh 500,000.
The warnings also referenced the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, which allows Parliament to hold public officers accountable for failing to honor summons. If found guilty, Mbadi and Oparanya could face fines of up to Ksh 200,000, a jail term of six months, or both.
The Senate clerk further emphasized that the ministers’ failure to attend undermines the authority of Parliament and delays justice for the affected pensioners. “You have not honoured the various invitations to appear and instead sent apologies… such actions risk obstructing the work of Parliament,” one letter read.
As pressure mounts, the focus is now on whether Mbadi and Oparanya will appear before the Senate today or face the consequences. Their response will determine not only the outcome of the pension disputes but also the precedent for how Parliament enforces accountability among senior government officials.
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