CS Charles Keter tells Senators that AG Paul Kihara advised him not to answer questions on matters before court

I was told not to answer your questions - CS Charles Keter tells Senators

Mumbi Mutuko

March 20, 2019 5:23 PM

Zero answers given

Senate of Kenya

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter told Senators that he could not answer their questions regarding the multi-billion shilling wind power project in Marsabit.

The CS petitioned the committee to give him more time to seek a comprehensive legal opinion from the Attorney General since the matter is in court.

After Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula raised questions on the Ksh74 billion project, the Energy CS argued that his hands were tied as the matter was already before the court.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter Pulse Live Kenya

Senators protest

“You realize in my answers I have not answered all the nine questions. I have omitted some because the subject is actively in court and having been advised by the AG Kihara I will not answer your questions,” the Energy CS stated.

However, Senator Wetangula was not buying CS Keter's reason, arguing that the committee was at liberty to prosecute the matter and warned against evading the member's questions.

The Bungoma Senator also protested after the CS failed to furnish the committee with the relevant documents such as the pleadings as filed in court.

Pressure to answer questions

Senator Wetangula stated: “He has just said that he has been advised by the AG but we don’t know whether it is in writing, on phone or verbal and as a committee, we cannot allow that to pass.”

His argument was backed by Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina who told CS Keter that he was at risk of being in contempt if he failed to answer their queries.

Senators Moses Wetangula and Ledama Ole Kina Pulse Live Kenya

"Are we going to be doing our job or we are going to have CSs come before committees and direct us on how the proceedings should go," Senator Ole Kina asked.

Keter was asked to appear before the committee next week on Monday to answer all the concerns raised by the Senators.

Mumbi Mutuko