The Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has summoned Treasury CS John Mbadi to appear in person on August 4, 2025, over growing concerns about delayed pension payments, unremitted benefits, and persistent failure to respond to retirees’ grievances. Senators say the delays have caused prolonged suffering for former public servants and accused Mbadi of undermining Parliament.
Senators have issued a formal summons to Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi over the continued delay in pension payments and unremitted benefits for retirees, describing the issue as politically insensitive and deeply harmful to affected families.
The Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, sitting on Tuesday, July 29, resolved that Mbadi must appear before the committee in person on Monday, August 4, to address numerous unresolved petitions—including those involving former employees of Kenya Railways, KEMRI, and former councillors.
The decision comes after the committee sent away Treasury Principal Secretary Cyrell Wagunda Odede, saying only the CS could provide binding answers and explanations on policy decisions.
“We now understand that this will continue to drag because decisions are made at the Cabinet level. We would like to have the CS appear so that these matters can be concluded,” said Committee Chairperson Julius Murgor.
Petitions and Complaints Raised
Petitions before the Senate involve unpaid pensions, death and disability benefits, and the one-off honourarium for former councillors promised under earlier government commitments.
Senators questioned why the Treasury has failed to act on grievances that date back several years. Kajiado Senator Samuel Seki Kanar was among those who demanded accountability from the top.
“If the CS is not here, then the petition will not be met. Let the CS appear with the PS and deal with the matter conclusively,” he said.
Vice Chairperson Crystal Asige said the delays were becoming indefensible, especially for vulnerable groups like retirees and widows.
“This issue has dragged on for years. We need strong decisions and accountability,” she stated.
Criticism of Mbadi’s Conduct
Several senators sharply criticised CS Mbadi for repeatedly failing to honour parliamentary summons. Kitui Senator Enock Wambua accused him of neglecting the very principles he advocated during his long tenure in Parliament.
“He understands Parliament better than some of us. He even pushed for legislation to protect retirees. But now that he’s in the Executive, he’s running away from his own vision,” Wambua said.
Wambua also reminded the House that appearing before Parliament is a constitutional obligation, not an optional courtesy.
“Let us not weaken the authority of this House by offering him options,” he added.
Administrative Failure and Public Frustration
Over the past two years, several letters from the committee—especially regarding Kenya Railways and KEMRI retirees—have either gone unanswered or resulted in postponements from Treasury.
“We don’t want to waste the time of retirees who travelled to be here. Let us meet the CS on Monday, August 4, so we avoid the Tuesday Cabinet excuse,” Chairperson Murgor said.
The committee now warns that if Mbadi fails to appear on the scheduled date, further parliamentary action will be considered, including a motion to compel attendance.
