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The National Assembly Committee on Sports has expressed its frustration with Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, threatening to impose a Kshs. 500,000 fine for his repeated failure to attend scheduled meetings. The Committee, chaired by Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), has been increasingly angered by the PS’s absence, particularly regarding discussions on the delay in establishing Sports Academies and the completion of stadium constructions.
This marks the fourth time PS Tum has failed to appear before the Committee, leading to heightened tensions and calls for accountability. Hon. Wanyama revealed that Tum had sent a last-minute communication indicating his inability to attend due to “unavoidable circumstances.” However, the Chairperson expressed dissatisfaction with this pattern, emphasizing that the Committee had been patient but could no longer tolerate such behavior.
“The PS has a tendency of skipping crucial meetings where he is expected to explain to the Committee the reasons behind the delay in starting the construction of 25 Sports Academies in selected constituencies,” explained Hon. Wanyama. “We have invited him for the last time next Tuesday. If he fails to appear, the Committee will invoke the Powers and Privileges Act and take necessary action.”
The Committee members voiced their concerns over the lack of progress on projects that had been allocated funds in the budget. Hon. Mary Emaase (Teso South) highlighted the urgency of setting up the academies, noting that President William Ruto had made it a priority. She criticized the PS for being an obstacle to the President’s vision, stressing that the Committee was duty-bound to ensure the projects were implemented.
Hon. Catherine Omanyo (Busia County) expressed disappointment, pointing out that the delay had dampened the enthusiasm of the youth who were eager to see the academies become a reality. “The PS has shown evidently that he is incapable of running the Ministry and should step aside to allow a competent person to take over,” she added.
Hon. Richard Yegon (Bomet East) criticized Tum’s repeated absence, suggesting it reflected a lack of respect for the Committee. “This is the fourth time the PS is ignoring the Committee’s invite. We will no longer tolerate this,” he warned.
Hon. Stephen Mule (Matungulu) called on President Ruto to dismiss the PS, arguing that Tum’s inability to attend these crucial meetings demonstrated his unfitness for the role. “We cannot travel from our constituencies to come for a meeting that the PS thinks is not important,” he remarked, expressing the Committee’s collective disappointment.
Hon. Naomi Waqo (Marsabit County) echoed the sentiments of her colleagues, stressing that the Ministry’s failure to construct the Sports facilities was ultimately harming the youth. She urged PS Tum to take his responsibilities seriously, noting that the Committee’s invitations were critical for addressing important matters within the Ministry.
The Committee has made it clear that it expects PS Tum to attend the next scheduled meeting, or face the consequences, as they continue to push for the timely execution of the sports infrastructure projects that are vital to the nation’s development
