On Tuesday, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo submitted a censure motion in the Senate against President William Ruto, citing the President’s failure to address crucial national issues. Maanzo’s motion claims that Ruto has neglected his duties as Head of State, particularly in dealing with significant challenges affecting Kenyans.

The senator’s grievances include the handling of protesters by the National Police Service (NPS) during the June-July anti-government demonstrations. Maanzo also criticized Ruto for failing in his primary responsibility to protect Kenyan lives, emphasizing that, as Chairperson of the National Security Council (NSC), the President holds a critical role in ensuring national security.

“Concerned that Article 25(a) (c) provides for rights and fundamental freedoms which CANNOT be limited; the right to freedom from torture and cruel inhuman treatment or degrading treatment or punishment, right to fair trial bearing in mind the recent abductions, torture and disappearances of Kenyans.” Maanzo stated in the motion.

Maanzo further argued that the national government has undermined devolution by failing to ensure the timely disbursement of counties’ equitable share, thereby hindering the delivery of essential services. He emphasized that this delay has significantly strained county operations, affecting their ability to serve citizens effectively.

”Concerned that H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH. President of the Republic of Kenya and the  Commander in chief of the Kenya Defence Forces is the Head of State and Government under Article 131 and the Chairperson of the National Security Council have failed to protect Kenyans against police brutality and killings and have reduced the allocation to counties and delayed financing to devolved units causing untold suffering to Kenyans who are sick by failing to devolve Health and Agriculture fully as required by Schedule (4) four of the constitution,’’ the senator added.

He also argued that many citizens have been marginalized by not involving them in the participation of programs among which he listed the Social Health Insurance Fund(SHIF), University education fees module, Affordable Housing, Airport Leasing among others.

”Further concerned that the said breach as of the constitution by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH. President of the Republic of Kenya and the  Commander in chief of the Kenya Defence Forces have marginalized section of Kenyans created and continues to heighten tension among different segments of Kenyans due to lack of proper public participation on SHIF, SHA, University education fees module, Affordable Housing, Airport Leasing among others in contradiction of Articles 10(2), 119(1), 174(c), 232 (1) which demean the high office of the President of the Republic of Kenya.”

This comes in the wake of an impending impeachment motion against the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expected to be presented in Parliament this Tuesday, October 1.