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Two Cabinet secretaries were among top government officials and MPs who left the precincts of Parliament as their Treasury counterpart read the budget statement.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and his ICT counterpart Eliud Owalo left after only half an hour in the chamber as CS Njuguna Ndung’u presented this year’s budget. While Owalo left at 3.58pm, Machogu followed five minutes later, sneaking out through the visitors’ gate, where their vehicles were parked.

Enjoying tea

Meanwhile, some MPs who were expected to be seated in the chamber were enjoying afternoon tea at the cafeteria in the lobby or chatting in the corridors, while others left after signing their name to show they were present.

Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, whose role includes mobilising his colleagues to attend House business, also sat out th event, enjoying snacks at the cafeteria.

Other CSs who were presented included Aden Duale (Defence), Penina Malonza (East Africa and ASAL), Moses Kuria (Public Service), Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport) and Attorney General Justin Muturi.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula interrupted House business at 3.15 pm to allow Njuguna to present the budget policy highlights and revenue-raising measures for the financial year starting July 1.

The budget reading is a ceremonial event as the House does not make any decision at the end. Once the Treasury CS finishes his presentation, the House adjourns until the next sitting.