Outrage as Cooperatives PS Kilemi Skips Critical Budget Session for Nanyuki Retreat

Nairobi, May 20, 2025 – Members of Parliament have expressed outrage after Cooperatives Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi failed to attend a crucial budget session, opting instead for an in-house staff retreat in Nanyuki.

The absence has triggered sharp criticism from legislators who claim Kilemi is sidestepping essential duties during a critical period.

The parliamentary session, scheduled for the last week of May, was intended to establish timelines for reviewing Budget estimates—a vital process as the 2025/26 Financial Year approaches.

Kilemi’s absence left several MPs, including Aldai’s Marianne Kitany and Ikolomani’s Bernard Shinali, questioning his commitment to transparency and fiscal accountability.

“The worst of all this is those saying they want to come at the end of May, yet they know we have timelines. How is this even possible?” Shinali remarked during the session.

Kitany reinforced this concern, questioning whether the state department truly comprehends the budgeting process and the implications of their absence.

Inside sources confirmed that Kilemi was attending a performance targets retreat in Nanyuki despite his prior commitment to Parliament.

A formal communication from David K. Obonyo, dated May 12, stated Kilemi would be unavailable until late May, further intensifying parliamentary frustration.

The National Assembly had requested Kilemi’s attendance by May 6 to discuss his appearance before the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) scheduled for May 13.

Legislators argued that Kilemi’s absence seriously compromises the budget process, particularly as several ministries have yet to defend their budgets before committees.

Shinali deemed it “unacceptable” that officials would prioritize administrative retreats over constitutional parliamentary obligations, especially during the critical budget deliberation period.

Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala accused the Principal Secretary of dismissive behavior toward the committee, highlighting his frequent travels despite budget constraints from the previous financial year.

“He risks not having more funds to continue treating the committee in such a manner,” she cautioned.