The Senate Public Investments Committee has summoned governors from Nandi, Laikipia, Lamu, Muranga, and Tharaka Nithi counties after they failed to appear to respond to audit-related questions.
The committee’s chairperson, Senator Godfrey Osotsi, expressed disappointment after receiving letters of non-attendance from some governors just minutes before the scheduled meeting, while others did not respond to invitations at all.
Senator Eddy Oketch called for the issuance of summons and strict measures against governors who ignored the committee, stressing that they are bound by constitutional deadlines to submit reports to the House.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei described the excuses offered by the governors as "ridiculous and demeaning to the integrity of the Senate."
He criticized the Kilifi retreat cited by the governors, saying it was "not a constitutional obligation, but a waste of taxpayers’ money," which could have been directed to address the drought crisis in Northern Kenya.
Cherargei further alleged that the retreat’s agenda was focused on discussing the Senate—a tactic, he claimed, designed to evade accountability for pending audit queries.
Committee members expressed frustration over some county executives, proposing measures such as reducing county allocations and reviewing standing orders to enforce tougher penalties on officials who fail to appear before the Senate.
The committee continues to scrutinize county spending on essential services including health, water, education, and municipal operations, aiming to ensure public resources are used effectively and responsibly.
On Monday, The Council of Governors (CoG) has announced that governors will cease appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), citing harassment and political witch-hunting by the committee.
The committee raised concerns over the conduct of certain Senate Committees, citing cases of intimidation.
Speaking during the ongoing Governors’ Retreat, the Council of Governors explained that Governors often face humiliation during the oversight engagements at the Senate.
“During the ongoing Governors’ Retreat, the Council of Governors has raised concern over the conduct of certain Senate Committees citing cases of intimidation, harassment and humiliation of Governors during oversight engagements,” CoG said.
The Council of Governors, while addressing the Senate Commitee has demanded that the intimidation concerns be addressed through structured engagement with Senate leadership.
