Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has been ordered to appear before Parliament to respond to concerns over the county’s 2024/25 financial audit after his request to postpone the hearing was denied. The County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) warned that failure to attend could lead to legal consequences.
The governor was scheduled to appear on Thursday, January 29, 2026, to explain issues highlighted in the Auditor General’s report on Garissa County’s accounts. In a letter to the Committee, he asked to delay the session, citing foreign travel but without clarifying the purpose or destination.
“We have reviewed the request by the governor, and we are of the strong view that the reasons given are not justifiable under the law,” CPAC Chairperson Senator Moses Kajwang said while reading the Committee’s decision at Parliament Buildings.
“Travelling out of the country is not a constitutional obligation and cannot override the requirements of accountability,” he added, stressing that the audit schedule allows no room for postponements.
Senator Kajwang also advised all governors to put any foreign trips on hold until March, when the review of county audit reports is expected to conclude under the law.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua criticized Governor Nathif’s explanation, saying the letter lacked key details about the planned travel. “The letter is vague. He says he is travelling, but to where and for what purpose? Is it an emergency?” he questioned.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei accused governors of weakening devolution by avoiding accountability, saying their reluctance has stalled financial oversight.
In the last week, CPAC has also summoned Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, and Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit, all of whom have failed to attend hearings to answer audit questions.
On January 27, the Committee indicated it was exploring legal options to compel governors to account for billions of shillings released to counties. One option under consideration is involving the National Treasury to suspend funding to counties whose leaders do not comply with audit requirements.
