The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities turned away the Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service, Mr. Patrick Arunduh over failure to provide adequate documentation to support his submissions on employment diversity.

During the session chaired by Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, MPs declined to proceed with the matter after Arunduh failed to furnish the Committee with sufficient evidence to back his claims on recent recruitment exercises.

The Commissioner General ran into trouble when he failed to provide records demonstrating how diversity was factored into the recent hiring process.

Legislators expressed frustration that this was his second appearance before the Committee without the required documents.

Ndhiwa MP, Martin Owino, led the criticism, noting that the submissions lacked material evidence.

“The Commissioner General is appearing before the Committee for the second time without supportive documents. We expected a progressive report from what he had presented earlier,” said Hon. Owino.

His sentiments were echoed by Hon. Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Hon. Dick Maungu (Luanda), Hon. Agnes Pareyio (Narok North), Hon. Denar Hamisi (Nominated) and Hon. Liza Chelule (Nakuru County).

“The Committee expected to see supportive documents showing the number of officers recruited recently, broken down by sub-county,” Hon. Maungu said.

Complete Documentation

Kaunya and Hamisi emphasized that complete documentation was crucial for the Committee’s final report to the House.

“Work with staff from the Committee Secretariat to guide you on how to prepare the required documents,” advised Hon. Hamisi.

Chelule pressed further on the need for inclusivity in the Service.

“I hold the interests of People Living with Disabilities at heart. You were supposed to table documents showing their numbers, so we know whether you are complying with the law that requires at least five per cent be persons with disabilities,” she said.

Arunduh Given 3 Weeks

In his response, Arunduh admitted the shortcoming and appealed for more time.

“I am well guided by the Committee, and I request three weeks to provide the required documents,” he said.

However, Mathenge granted him only two weeks to compile and submit the records before his next appearance.

Kenya Prisons Commissioner General Patrick Arunduhu appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities on September 11, 2025. PHOTO/Parliament.