Nairobi, Kenya – Questions over leadership and accountability have intensified after Garissa Governor Nathif Jama failed to appear before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to respond to audit queries on the use of public funds.
In a letter to the Senate, Governor Jama explained that he was out of the country and unable to attend. The explanation infuriated senators, who accused him of deliberately evading parliamentary oversight.
Senators Raise Alarm Over Repeated Absences
Members of the PAC noted that this was not the first time the governor had ignored a summons.
“The Garissa Governor has a tendency of avoiding this committee. This has happened in previous sessions,” said Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma.
Senators warned that repeated absences undermine Parliament’s constitutional role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
They further disclosed that governors had been informally advised to suspend foreign travel during the audit season, advice they say Governor Jama chose to ignore.
Political Undertones
The controversy has taken a political turn, with lawmakers referencing recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who criticised leaders for spending extended periods away from their counties. His comments were particularly pointed given the ongoing drought that continues to devastate regions such as Garissa.
Senate’s Warning
The Senate has cautioned that continued failure to appear before oversight committees could attract punitive action. Lawmakers stressed that scrutiny over the use of public resources is deepening, and accountability from county leadership remains non-negotiable.
Conclusion
Governor Jama’s absence has reignited debate over the responsibility of county leaders to prioritize oversight and accountability, especially during times of crisis. As the Senate intensifies its scrutiny, the standoff underscores the growing tension between county executives and national oversight institutions.
