Nairobi, Kenya – The Council of Governors (CoG) has announced that county chiefs will no longer appear before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), alleging mistreatment and humiliation by certain Senators during past summons.
Speaking during a governors’ retreat on Monday, February 9, 2026, CoG chair Ahmed Abdullahi accused Senators of engaging in “escalating extortion, political witch-hunt, harassment, intimidation and humiliation” of governors.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
He added that governors would only resume attendance once these concerns are addressed through structured engagement between Senate leadership and the CoG.
Governors’ Position
The CoG clarified that governors will continue to honour summons by the Senate County Public Investment Committee, but only once per audit cycle. This committee handles investment-related issues, including county funds, municipalities, and hospitals.
CoG Chief Whip and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki stressed that the dispute is not with the Senate as a whole but with four specific Senators.
“We are very specific that CoG has no issue with the Senate; we have a problem with four Senators, and they know themselves,” Njuki said.
Senate’s Response
The standoff comes after the Senate Public Investments Committee issued summons to governors from Nandi, Laikipia, Lamu, Murang’a, and Tharaka Nithi for failing to respond to audit queries.
Committee chair Senator Godfrey Osotsi expressed disappointment after receiving letters of non-attendance minutes before scheduled meetings, while other counties failed to respond altogether. Senator Eddy Oketch recommended tough actions against non-compliant governors, citing constitutional timelines for audit reports.
Meanwhile, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei dismissed the governors’ retreat as unconstitutional and a misuse of taxpayers’ money, claiming the agenda was designed to avoid accountability.
CoG’s Commitment
Despite the boycott, the CoG reiterated its commitment to accountability and prudent use of public resources, cautioning that oversight must be exercised lawfully, ethically, and without abuse of office.
The retreat also addressed the worsening drought crisis in Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) regions, urging government and stakeholders to intensify efforts to mitigate losses of lives and livestock.
Conclusion
The dispute between the Council of Governors and the Senate CPAC highlights ongoing tensions over accountability and oversight in Kenya’s devolved governance system. As both sides dig in, the standoff raises questions about transparency, cooperation, and the balance of power between county and national institutions.
