Senators Criticize Water CS Eric Muga for Missing Senate Session

Senators Criticize Water CS Eric Muga for Missing Senate Session

Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muga faced heavy criticism from Senators on Wednesday after failing to attend a scheduled plenary session. His absence sparked a heated debate in the Senate.

Deputy Senate Speaker Kathuri Murungi informed the House that CS Muga had sent an apology. He explained that Muga was accompanying President William Ruto on a coastal tour to address regional water issues. 

Murungi accepted the apology but urged the CS to appear before the Senate upon his return to Nairobi.

However, Senators, including Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, raised concerns over Muga’s absence, especially as it was his first appearance before the Senate. 

Sifuna expressed frustration, claiming that many Senators did not even know who Muga was.

 “This is the one CS I have never seen. I don’t know what he looks like,” Sifuna said.

 He added that an induction for new Cabinet Secretaries might help improve their visibility and communication with the public.

Cheruiyot also criticized Muga’s absence, pointing out that the President's visit was planned in advance. 

He argued that Muga should have been aware of the session and made proper arrangements to attend.

 “A President’s visit is not a thunderstorm that appears from the blues. It is planned weeks in advance,” Cheruiyot stated.

 He also emphasized that Cabinet Secretaries are required to give notice at least seven days before a scheduled Senate appearance.

In response, Deputy Speaker Murungi defended Muga, clarifying that it was his first missed appearance and that his apology was accepted. 

He also corrected Sifuna's comments about the CS’s identity, noting that Eric Muga is a man, not a woman.

 “His name is Engineer Eric Muriithi Muga, and I represent him in the Senate,” Murungi said.

Though Muga’s absence stirred up controversy, the Deputy Speaker assured that there would be no punishment for the CS this time. He urged Senators to give Muga another chance to attend future sessions.