Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued a firm warning to governors who ignore parliamentary summonses, saying he will not hesitate to arrest them and present them before relevant committees.
The statement comes amid ongoing tension between governors and senators over appearances before oversight panels. Kanja emphasized that no public officer is above the law and assured that the National Police Service (NPS) is prepared to enforce committee directives.
Speaking to the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, the police chief underlined the commitment of his officers to support parliamentary oversight in promoting accountability.
Addressing the committee chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, Kanja explained that the partnership between the NPS and parliamentary committees is anchored in legal and constitutional provisions that empower the police to assist in oversight functions.
He highlighted Article 125 of the Constitution, which gives parliamentary committees the authority to summon witnesses and request documents. “I am ready to arrest and present governors who fail to honour summonses by Senate oversight committees, provided you give me the time and date you want them presented before you,” he said.
Kanja added that the police are always available to comply with committee requests and provide security during meetings and site inspections.
“The County Public Accounts Committee, in exercising its powers under Article 125 of the Constitution, may summon county officials or governors to appear before it to respond to audit queries. In instances where they refuse to comply, the Service, under the direction of the committee, is always ready to arrest and present them before the committee as requested,” he said.
The police chief also said that where misuse of public funds is identified, the NPS stands ready to assist in further investigations, collect evidence, and ensure that county officials or governors found culpable face prosecution.
Senators expressed frustration at delays in implementing arrests of errant governors. “Catch for us the little foxes ruining our vineyard. The little foxes sit in the Council of Governors and public offices, yet they want to avoid accountability. Nobody is above the law in this republic,” said Kajwang’.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni urged the NPS to take action that will serve as a deterrent. “We want to see actions that act as a deterrent because your mandate also involves prevention of graft and ensuring accountability. There is no way we can hold the officers accountable if they don’t appear before us.”
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua highlighted ongoing criminal activities in counties, noting that financial records sometimes disappear in suspicious circumstances. Last month, the committee revealed that some governors are content paying the Sh500,000 fine imposed for failing to respond to summonses.
The committee has been in repeated conflict with several governors, requesting the IG to arrest Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit for ignoring two committee summonses. Other governors facing scrutiny include Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, Kisii’s Simba Arati, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
