A fresh standoff is emerging between county governments and the Senate following strong complaints by governors over how they are treated during oversight sessions.
The Council of Governors has now taken a firm position, saying its members will no longer appear before one key Senate committee until what they describe as ongoing mistreatment is addressed.
Speaking during a governors’ retreat held on Monday, Council of Governors chair Ahmed Abdullahi said the decision was not made lightly.
He argued that several governors have repeatedly faced unfair treatment whenever they are summoned by the Senate County Public Accounts Committee.
According to Abdullahi, these appearances have turned into hostile encounters rather than professional accountability sessions.
“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 Abdullahi.
He explained that governors respect the constitutional role of the Senate but feel that the conduct of some members has crossed acceptable limits. As a result, the council resolved to suspend appearances before the committee until there is structured engagement between Senate leadership and the Council of Governors.
“To this effect, the Council has resolved that governors will not appear before the Senate Public Accounts Committee until these concerns are addressed through a structured engagement between the leadership of the Senate and the Council of Governors.”
At the same time, the council clarified that governors will still cooperate with other oversight bodies. It said governors will honour summons by the Senate County Public Investment Committee, but only once in every audit cycle.
These appearances are meant to focus on investment matters, including county funds, municipal projects, and financial management in public hospitals.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who serves as the Council of Governors Chief Whip, stressed that the dispute is not with the entire Senate. He said the problem is limited to a small number of senators whose conduct has raised concern.
“We are very specific that CoG has no issue with the Senate; we have a problem with four Senators, and they know themselves,” he said.
This position comes at a time when tensions were already high. The Senate Public Investments Committee had issued summons to governors from Nandi, Laikipia, Lamu, Murang’a, and Tharaka Nithi after they failed to appear to answer audit questions.
Committee chairperson Senator Godfrey Osotsi expressed disappointment, saying some governors sent letters declining to attend just minutes before the meeting, while others did not respond at all.
Senator Eddy Oketch called for tough action against governors who ignored the summons, reminding colleagues that the committee operates under strict constitutional timelines and must submit its reports to the House.
However, not all senators agree with the governors’ retreat. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei dismissed it as unconstitutional and a misuse of public funds. He argued that the money spent on the retreat should have been directed toward addressing the drought crisis in Northern Kenya. He also claimed the real aim of the meeting was to criticize the Senate and avoid accountability over audit issues.
Despite the growing tension, the Council of Governors insisted it remains committed to accountability and the proper use of public resources. It emphasized that oversight must be lawful, ethical, and free from abuse of office.
The retreat also discussed the worsening drought in Arid and Semi-Arid Land regions, urging the government and partners to act urgently to prevent further loss of lives and livestock.
