Interior CS Fred Matiang'i is set to appear before a Senate committee over the confusion and chaos marring enforcement of curfew in Nairobi and elsewhere.
The Senate’s National Security and Foreign Relations committee has invited the CS to appear before it next Wednesday to explain the mayhem.
'Super Minister' Matiang'i s known for ignoring and snubbing MPs' requests and summonses to appear and explain pressing issues.
The meeting follows a public outcry after the police enforcing the 8pm to 4am curfew in Nairobi blocked some motorists past curfew from going home.
Motorists on Thika Superhighway were the most affected by police roadblocks. Many motorists spent the night in the cold.
“Following the enormous public outcry through social media, Members of the Committee were greatly perturbed by the chaotic scenes on Saturday April 17 and Sunday April 18 along the Thika Superhighway regarding the overnight roadblocks,” acting Chairperson Fred Outa said.
To get a clearer perspective regarding the 'mayhem', the committee has invited the Interior CS to appear before it, he said.
In a statement on Tuesday, he said police hindered the travel of approved persons holding legal permits to operate during curfew hours.
They include doctors, ambulances, food transporters, media personnel and government workers approved to operate.
Nairobi is among the five counties in disease hot zones where an 8pm to 4pm curfew has been imposed to help contain the spread of Covid-19.
Others are Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Nakuru. Countrywide, curfew runs from 10pm until 4am.
Outa said the committee was concerned with the unfolding events and asked aloud whether police have established "kangaroo courts" to punish Kenyans.
“.. and if so, under which law?" he asked.
“If Kenyans have indeed broken the law, then why not charge them and have them appear before the courts and face punishment according to the law?” he asked.
Matiang'i will be asked to explain why police have "have subjected Kenyans to operate in panic, resulting in several accidents that have occurred, emanating from their actions",
He will also will also be asked to explain an apparent lack of coordination in enforcement in the capital.
(Edited by V. Graham)
