Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
In a statement on Thursday, Sifuna accused the government of attempting to intimidate and silence Natembeya for speaking out against the administration, warning that the decision could endanger the governor.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Monday, Alai said the financial dependence of MCAs on governors leaves them with little recourse when their salaries are delayed, despite their constitutional role of scrutinising county governments.
Ndeti said the Assembly had altered allocations by Sh853.96 million after the Executive presented its budget. She said the original plan was balanced and based on the 2026 County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP), but the version passed by the Assembly on August 18 contained changes that she considers unlawful.
Wamatangi's expected exit from UDA would place him alongside Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, who have already moved to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The decision was made by a three-judge bench, which found that election to the Senate does not take away a senator's constitutional right to access information under Article 35. The judges also ruled that Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) enjoy the same right and can personally request county government records whenever they need them.
Speaking at State House on Tuesday during the launch of the New National Vision: Journey to a First World Economy, Prof Nyong'o said achieving that ambition would require sustained political commitment, strong institutions, strategic infrastructure investment, national unity and inclusive economic growth
Had the petition succeeded, a number of former governors who have already completed their two constitutional terms and are now serving in the Cabinet, the Senate and parastatals would have been forced out of office and permanently barred from returning to public service.
The push emerged during a high-level meeting in Naivasha attended by Moses Wetang'ula, Wycliffe Oparanya, governors and more than 28 Members of Parliament drawn from the Western Kenya Parliamentary Caucus.
The standoff had seen governors refuse to appear before key Senate committees, a move that disrupted oversight work and triggered sharp exchanges over how counties are monitored and held accountable.
The Division of Revenue Bill sets the formula for splitting revenue between national and county governments, while the County Allocation of Revenue Bill guides how counties receive their individual shares. A delay in passing the Division of Revenue Bill also affects funding for national government operations in the next financial cycle.
Murungi further called on Senate committees to sharpen their focus on matters that have a direct impact on citizens, especially at the county level, saying emerging challenges require stronger parliamentary attention.
According to the court, such interim protections can only remain valid where the foundation of the case stays the same. When that foundation changes, the court must revisit whether the orders are still justified.
The Narok Senator argued that leaders who have already served as governors and are linked to financial impropriety should face a permanent political lockout from the Senate.
The ruling lands in the middle of an intensifying confrontation between the Senate and county chiefs. Governors have recently declined to honour committee invitations, accusing some senators of using the summons to push for personal gain, claims that have widened the rift.
The Senate has created a 15-member ad hoc committee to track implementation of audit recommendations for all 47 counties after 15 governors refused to appear before its oversight committee.
To reinforce accountability, senators want amendments to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act and the Public Audit Act. One of the main proposals is to increase fines for non-compliant officers from Sh500,000 to Sh5 million.
Sifuna maintained that only a handful of governors are involved, and praised those who have consistently honoured invitations to appear before the committee. He said he plans to press the committee chair to publicly name those who have repeatedly failed to attend.
The proposal recommends that the Controller of Budget should not approve any withdrawals from county funds where governors ignore or fail to respond to summons issued by the Senate to answer questions on financial management.
The move comes after several governors on Monday ignored committee invitations, prompting senators to warn that vague excuses will no longer be accepted.
Governors and senators argue that transferring funds directly to counties would streamline project delivery, boost accountability, and allow local governments to maintain and upgrade roads more effectively.
At present, counties cannot obtain loans directly unless the National Treasury guarantees the borrowing. The Public Finance Management Act requires the national government to oversee and guarantee borrowing for state bodies, including counties, to safeguard public finances.
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.
The Council of Governors (CoG) submitted a signed resolution to the Senate Speaker, claiming the legislators had been “consistently cited” in complaints over County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) proceedings, which county chiefs describe as political witch-hunts, extortion, and intimidation.
The lawmakers, led by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ on Tuesday rejected the claims outright, saying the accusations were meant to distract from their constitutional duty to scrutinise how county funds are used.
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.
Senators threatened to suspend funding for several counties after governors skipped a Senate accountability session, accusing them of negligence and evasion amid corruption concerns and a governors’ retreat in Kilifi.
While Governor Nassir offered no explanation, Governor Guyo requested the hearing be postponed, citing insecurity in Isiolo and claiming he had joined the County Security Committee to visit victims of recent attacks.
Since 2022, the Senate has processed five motions against three governors, with only one resulting in removal from office.
The ministry maintains it has not issued a directive to stop maternity reimbursements at any facility. However, it notes that level two facilities are not licensed for inpatient services under KMPDC rules and must upgrade infrastructure to safely handle deliveries.
The push by governors adds a new layer to the national housing agenda, which is one of the key pillars of the current administration. They say the model, as it stands, puts counties at a disadvantage because they part with valuable land but do not get a clear return once the housing units are completed and handed over to private owners.