Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has been allowed to postpone his appearance before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee after reporting sudden health issues that prevented him from participating effectively in a scheduled audit hearing.
At Parliament building on Tuesday, Nyaribo told the committee that he felt unwell upon arrival and could not adequately respond to questions arising from the Auditor General’s report.
“Because of health reasons, I request we get a new date… this is a sudden occurrence, chair,” he said.
In response, Senate committee chair Atieno Kajwang’ agreed to the request, emphasizing the need for governors to maintain individual accountability in managing county funds.
“Accountability is individual and is nothing corrated and we disburse finances to individual governors, not the council of governors. We will not allow a county to withdraw money if it has not accounted because that is the basic principle of accounting. Governor, we request that you get quick attention for you to get medical attention as soon as possible, and we shall give you a new date and make sure you attend when you set a new date,” Kajwang’ stated.
The postponed hearing is part of the Senate’s ongoing oversight process, which requires county leaders to clarify financial and administrative concerns highlighted in audit reports.
Nyaribo was expected to explain financial management practices in Nyamira County as flagged in the report.
The delay comes amid rising tensions between the Senate and the Council of Governors, who recently announced a suspension of their appearances before CPAC.
Governors have raised complaints of intimidation, political harassment, and extortion during the oversight hearings.
“The Council of Governors notes with great concern the continuous and escalating extortion, political witch-hunt, harassment, intimidation and humiliation of Excellency governors by certain Senators when they appear before the Public Accounts Committee of the Senate,” said CoG chair and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, calling for structured discussions with Senate leadership before any future appearances.
