Wednesday afternoon witnessed a heated uproar in the Senate, stemming from the controversial trip undertaken by the House Ad-hoc committee investigating the Shakahola massacre. The committee, led by Danson Mungatana, journeyed to Pastor Ezekiel Odero’s church in Kilifi County, igniting a political firestorm.

Majority Whip Boni Khalwale, seizing the moment to raise a point of order, vehemently demanded answers concerning the committee’s trip to Mavueni in Kilifi. He raised concerns about the trip’s financing, notably whether it was funded by Pastor Ezekiel. Khalwale accused the committee of self-sponsorship, a move unprecedented in the country’s parliamentary history, and hinted at revealing more details about the trip’s procurement.

“In the history of this country, no Member of Parliament or a group of Members of Parliament have ever sponsored themselves to undertake the business of the House,” Khalwale declared, adding, “In order to make us less angry, they are trying to persuade us that they self-sponsored for the rendezvous, I beg that I do not be pushed further.”

In defense, committee chair Danson Mungatana explained that time constraints led to their decision to travel without the Secretariat’s involvement. He asserted that they did not have the necessary funds at the time of departure but assured the Senate that they documented their observations to provide a report.

At one point, the Senate chamber erupted in laughter when Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei objected to his name being mentioned by Mungatana as one of those who attended the meeting. Cherargei emphasized that he was not present in Mavueni, Kilifi, during the trip.

Mungatana, standing his ground, argued that they had already received an extension, making it impossible to secure another due to budgetary constraints. He mentioned their intention to fast-track their investigations and expose the government’s alleged failures.

Despite the heated exchanges, Speaker Amason Kingi ruled that the matter should be handled administratively and assured that measures were already in place to address the issue while upholding the integrity of the parliamentary process