Nairobi, Feb. 20 -- Senators have begun a push for the National Assembly to be empowered to arrest witnesses who fail to honour parliamentary committee summons and plenary invitations, setting the stage for a battle with top state officials.

The development comes at a time when the Senate is at loggerheads with cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and governors who have repeatedly snubbed committee summons.

As contained in the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges (Amendment) Bill, the lawmakers want the establishment of a Parliamentary Police Unit under the arm of government to carry out the arrests.

Moving the motion, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said the move is to give Parliament the teeth to "bite" rogue state and public offi...