Senator warns defiant governors as standoff with COG escalates over accountability demands


Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang.

Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang has issued a stern warning to governors across the country, declaring that the Senate will not hesitate to enforce its constitutional authority against those who defy its summons.

 Speaking during the “Rais Mtaani” consultative forum in Seum, Chesang declared that the Senate would not retreat from its constitutional oversight role, even as tensions rise with the Council of Governors (CoG).

 “The Senate will continue to execute its constitutional mandate without fear or favour.

 Any governor who ignores Senate summons must be prepared to face the full force of the law, including arrest in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police.” Chesang’ said. 

His remarks come at a time when governors, under the umbrella of the Council of Governors led by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, have announced a boycott of the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC). 

The governors accuse the committee of sustained intimidation, harassment,  and what they describe as extortion disguised as oversight. 

 The fallout intensified after CPAC, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, published a “list of shame” naming more than 20 governors, including Nairobi’s Johnson Sakaja and Samburu’s Lati Lelelit, for failing to appear before the committee to respond to audit queries for the 2024/2025 financial year. 

 CoG has strongly condemned what it termed as heavy-handed tactics by senators, citing an alleged assault on Governor Lelelit as a “shocking act of hooliganism” that undermines the dignity of elected leaders. 

 The council is now demanding the reconstitution of CPAC, accusing some members of misconduct.

 Despite the boycott, governors insist they are not opposed to accountability

 “We are ready to appear before other Senate committees but not CPAC until our concerns are addressed.” 

The CoG said in a statement. However, Kajwang has dismissed the claims, maintaining that the committee will not be derailed. 

 “Accountability is non-negotiable,” Kajwang said, warning that CPAC will continue issuing summons, warrants of arrest, fines, and surcharges against those who fail to comply. 

 Chesang echoed this hardline stance, insisting the Senate’s role is to safeguard public resources and uphold devolution. 

 “We are not targeting individuals; we are defending the Constitution. Public funds must be accounted for,” he said, warning that impunity among county chiefs would no longer be tolerated.

Support Independent Journalism

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Journalism can’t be free because the truth demands investment.
At The Standard, we invest time, courage and skills to bring you accurate,
factual and impactful stories. Subscribe today and stand with us in the
pursuit of credible journalism.

Pay via


M

PESA

VISA


Airtel Money


Secure Payment

Kenya’s most trusted newsroom since 1902



Source link