Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has formally requested the rescheduling of a forthcoming appearance before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), citing prevailing circumstances surrounding governors’ appearances before the committee.
In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the Senate, Jeremiah Nyegenye, the Nairobi Governor asked that the session be deferred to a later date.
“We refer to the forthcoming engagements with Senate Public Accounts Committee,” the governor states in the letter.
Sakaja notes that his request is informed by the broader context of governors’ interactions with the committee and an upcoming meeting scheduled for February 26 between the Speaker of the Senate and the Council of Governors.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances regarding Governors appearances before the committee and taking into account the meeting scheduled for 26th February between the Speaker of the Senate and the Council of Governors, I respectfully request that the committee considers rescheduling the meeting to a later date,” he wrote.
The letter does not specify the exact nature of the prevailing circumstances but links the request to the anticipated discussions between the Senate leadership and the Council of Governors.
Despite seeking a postponement, Sakaja reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to parliamentary oversight and the constitutional framework underpinning devolution.
“I wish to reaffirm my continued commitment in support of the Senate’s oversight role and greatly value its indispensable function in safeguarding devolution and in protecting the interests of county governments,” he stated.
The communication was also copied to Nancy Gathungu, the Auditor-General, whose office plays a central role in auditing county government expenditures and whose reports often form the basis of Public Accounts Committee hearings.
The Senate County Public Accounts Committee is mandated to examine the audited accounts of county governments and ensure prudent use of public resources.
Governors are routinely summoned to respond to audit queries raised in reports prepared by the Office of the Auditor-General.
The request comes amid heightened scrutiny of county governments’ financial management and ongoing engagements between the Senate and the Council of Governors over oversight processes.
Just recently, the Council of Governors resolved to boycott any appearances before the watchdog committee over what they termed as intimidation and exploitation by senators.
