Ongaga Ongaga reports that the Council of Governors (CoG) has denounced a “lawless effort” by senators compelling governors to attend hearings before the County Public Accounts Committee.
This reaction stems from what is claimed to be an attack on Samburu Governor Lelit Lati.
In a document bearing CoG chairman Ahmed Abdullahi’s signature, the organization described the situation as “shocking and unacceptable,” asserting that senators are violating constitutional principles and the authority of county leaders.
“The Council of Governors unequivocally condemns the shocking and unacceptable attack on H.E. Lelit Lati… This act of thuggery not only diminishes the respect for the governor’s public office but fundamentally undermines constitutionalism and the rule of law,” the document states.
The organization further contended that although the Senate has constitutional authority to supervise county administrations, it must function within legal frameworks and established protocols.
“It is distressing that this legislative body has engaged in persecution, harassment, violence and intimidation,” Abdullahi remarked, noting that such behavior “is beneath the dignity of a Senator.”
The occurrence occurs at a time of escalating friction between county administrations and the Senate regarding accountability mechanisms, particularly regarding appearances before oversight bodies like the County Public Accounts Committee.
Multiple governors have recently resisted what they describe as compulsory requests and politically motivated supervision.
The organization cautioned that the purported aggression indicates a concerning deterioration in intergovernmental relations.
“Using physical force represents a hazardous deterioration of democratic standards and a breach of the Kenyan public’s confidence,” the document added.
The governors are now insisting on immediate intervention from Senate leadership.
“We strongly call upon the Senate Speaker to condemn the involved Senators… and establish swift procedures to address the issues raised,” Abdullahi stated.
They also suggested that legal measures might be forthcoming, noting that “the violent conduct… constitutes a criminal offense for which legal proceedings will be initiated.”
The confrontation contributes to ongoing discussions regarding the boundaries of Senate oversight and the necessity to balance accountability with consideration for devolved entities as outlined in Kenya’s Constitution.
Such disputes, if left unresolved, threaten to further damage the relationship between these governmental tiers and impede service provision at the county level.
The governors requested moderation and compliance with legal norms, urging all governmental bodies to “maintain justice, protect constitutional frameworks and restore integrity within our institutions.”