Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has apologized to Parliament for writing a letter to the Speaker asking to be summoned to respond to contentious issues raised against his Ministry.

Namwamba was forced to apologise after Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa raised issue about the letter which was addressed to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi and copied to the Majority Leader.

Speaking on the floor of the House, MP Kimani Ichung’wa pointed out that, in the letter, Namwamba had described the issues raised against his ministry as “purporting” and “hearsay.”

Part of the letter written by Namwamba read as follows: “The Attention of our ministry has been drawn to statements made respective by MP Kimani Ichungwa and Senator Simon Cherargei which statements purport to cast aspersions on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports… Among the immutable norms of parliamentary practice include non-admissibility of hearsay and not condemning anyone unheard and in their absence.”

The Majority Leader termed the letter as “condescending to the institution of Parliament", faulting the CS for insinuating that the legislators were raising issues on “hearsay.” 

“For the record for this Cabinet Secretary and others, because some may be misguided to believe that as leader of majority, I am here holding brief for Cabinet Secretaries, when it comes to matters of accountability, I will hold you to account as if I am the leader of minority,” said Ichung’wa.

The Majority Leader’s sentiments were echoed by Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi who also faulted the Sports Cabinet Secretary for appearing to instruct the House on its mandate.

“It is not for anybody else to direct this House how to go about transacting its business, including the business of inviting people to this house under Article 95. This House has the mandate to deal with issues concerning people… And therefore this House is in order in order to raise those queries that it raised,” he said.

On his part, Ruaraka Member of Parliament Tom Kajwang’ accused Namwamba of attempting to lecture Parliament by giving “a lenthy lecture about hearsay and saying what we are doing here we are purporting.”

“And to allow this witness to write to the Speaker, where is even the protocol of writing to the Speaker?” posed Kajwang. “Now, how is it that a witness decides therefore, rises on a stool and decides to address the presiding officer of this house and lectures him accordingly.”

Following the scolding by the MPs, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba apologized saying: “Let me make it clear that the correspondence that has been referenced here was authored and conveyed in good faith and I would apologise unreservedly if in any way that letter has created wrong...” said Namwamba.

“I therefore with a lot of respect, withdraw that correspondence and unreservedly send an apology to the honorable house.”

Namwamba on Wednesday appeared before the National Assembly plenary for questioning over allegations of failing in his role at the Sports docket. 

Namwamba went on to declared that he will not resign from the position despite concerns that he doesn't have the capacity to optimally run the docket.

He insisted that he has been calling the tune at his Ministry ever since he assumed the position in October 2022.

The CS added that when he got the corner office at the Sports docket, it was in complete shambles but he, alongside other Ministry officials, have gradually been scaling up the department's operations for the betterment of Kenyan athletes.

Namwamba has faced strong criticism for, among other things, allegedly failing to perform his mandated responsibilities, not showing concern for the welfare of athletes, and improperly utilizing privileges afforded to him by his position.

He has also been criticised for allegedly failing to flag off and receive back athletes representing Kenya in international sporting events. 

Namwamba has denied culpability on the allegations leveled against him.