A fresh dispute between Kenya’s governors and senators has cast a shadow over the country’s oversight process, after claims that a county leader was assaulted within the premises of Parliament.
The Council of Governors (CoG) on Thursday condemned what it described as a “shocking and unacceptable” incident involving Samburu Governor Lelelit Lati. The council accused some senators of intimidation and violence, amid rising tensions linked to appearances before the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee.
In a sharply worded statement, CoG chair Ahmed Abdullahi said the alleged assault went beyond personal conduct and struck at the core of public office.
“This demonstration of hooliganism not only demeans the dignity of the office of the Governor as a Head of Government,” he said, “but strikes at the very heart of constitutionalism and the rule of law.”
The Senate committee in question plays a central role in holding county governments to account for public spending. Governors are routinely summoned to respond to audit queries, a process that has often been tense but is a cornerstone of Kenya’s devolved system.
The council, however, argued that oversight must be carried out within the bounds of the law. It said the Senate, as the institution tasked with protecting county interests, already has clear procedures under the Constitution and its own standing orders.
“There are lawful mechanisms for enforcing oversight,” the statement noted, warning against what it termed “harassment, violence and intimidation”.
The CoG called on the Speaker of the Senate to address the matter and take action against any members found culpable. It also urged a swift resolution to concerns governors have raised about the conduct of some members of the accounts committee.
While the allegations have not been independently verified, the governors signalled they may pursue legal action, suggesting the incident could amount to a criminal offence.
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