Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro has criticised the heavy presence of police officers outside parliament, insisting that Kenya is not a military state.
Earlier, Senators Bonny Khalwale (Kakamega), George Khaniri (Vihiga) and Janet Ong’era (nominated) claimed that they had been prevented from accessing Senate.
In his ruling shortly after Minority Leader Moses Wetangula demanded an explanation, Ethuro said the heavy presence of police in parliament was unnecessary.
“It is pointless to have several police officers outside parliament. I called the Internal Security Cabinet Secretary and demanded an explanation. They should be deployed elsewhere,” he said.
“Kenya is not a military state and I assure you no one should prevent media or even the public from accessing the Senate. We need to be honest to each other,” added Ethuro.
Senate proceedings were delayed for over an hour after a section of opposition Senators questioned the constitutionality of the special sitting.
The senate had scheduled to discuss controversial election amendment laws which were hastily passed by National assembly last week.