Senators to probe President Uhuru Kenyatta's aborted trip

Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro has directed the committee on National Security and Foreign Relations to probe in three weeks President Uhuru Kenyatta's aborted trip to Los Angeles, US, last month.

He ordered the investigations after senators yesterday poked holes in a joint statement issued by the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, which maintains that the trip was cancelled due to the insecurity in Yemen.

The senators dismissed the Government's explanations and demanded more answers and action against the trip planners.

The explanation sought by Senator Muriuki Karue (Nyandarua) generated a heated debate, with the lawmakers calling for thorough and in depth inquiries into the matter.

"I direct that the committee further investigates this matter and table a report in the House," ruled Mr Ethuro.

The legislators vented their anger on the Jubilee administration after learning that the pilot decided to return after learning of heightened fighting in Yemen. Fourteen passengers, including the President and eight crew, were aboard the aircraft.

The Senate was informed that Information Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i represented the country at the international business event.

"Matiang'i was nominated as the leader of the Government delegation and, therefore, the country was adequately represented," said committee Vice Chairperson Fatma Dullo (nominated).

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Senator Dullo, who was hard-pressed to respond to various concerns over the aborted trip, requested more time to seek further clarification from the ministries concerned.

"I cannot respond to all questions raised by the senators. I also concur with the matters raised and promise to seek more information," said Dullo.

Minority Leader Moses Wetang'ula (Bungoma) took on Dullo for informing the House that no one should be blamed over the trip hitch.

"This is embarrassing. How can we be told that no one will face disciplinary action on this matter because the scenario was unpredictable?" said Mr Wetang'ula.

Mr Karue criticised the response. "This is very casual. How can a pilot decide mid-air to return? The journey is planned beforehand; would the security officers fly the President over a hostile flight path, also through Ethiopia, when we know the differences between her and Eritrea?" he asked.

Wetang'ula added: "How can we also be told we lost nothing? We lost our image as a country. Our President turning mid-air back to the country is not right. Since the incident happened, we have received three contradicting explanations from the Executive. Kenyans deserve to know the truth," said Wetang'ula.