‘Enough is enough’: Governors threaten Senate boycott over intimidation

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Governors have warned the Senate, threatening to boycott the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) over what they describe as harassment, intimidation, and political witch-hunts.

Speaking during the ongoing Council of Governors (CoG) retreat on Monday, CoG Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi said the council will suspend all appearances before CPAC until a structured engagement is held with Senate leadership.

“We have been subjected to continuous extortion, humiliation, and intimidation by some Senators. Enough is enough. Governors will not appear before CPAC until these concerns are formally addressed,” Mr Abdullahi stated.

The retreat, themed “Re-positioning the Council to effectively respond to the prevailing Political Environment while strengthening service delivery across counties”, also focused on assessing county performance and refining priorities for the remainder of the term.

The governors emphasized that while they remain committed to accountability and prudent use of public resources, oversight must be exercised ethically, lawfully, and without abuse of office.

In addition to CPAC, the council addressed repeated summonses to the Senate County Public Investment Committee.

Mr Abdullahi clarified that governors will henceforth appear only once per audit cycle to discuss county investments, including funds for hospitals and municipalities.

Recently during a Nakuru Legislative Retreat, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula acknowledged the concerns about excessive summonses.

He noted that officials including the Inspector General of Police and the TSC acting CEO had been called multiple times over similar issues.

“Oversight is our constitutional duty, but it must not create a perception of undue pressure or administrative paralysis,” Mr Wetang’ula said.

CoG’s moves, aligned with Mr Wetang’ula’s call for responsible oversight, signal a growing demand for balance between accountability and effective county governance, as governors seek to protect both public resources and their ability to manage counties efficiently.

Meanwhile, the retreat highlighted the worsening drought situation, especially in ASAL counties.

The governors urged the national government, development partners, and all stakeholders to step up mitigation measures to prevent loss of lives, livestock, and livelihoods.

“The challenges we face require collaboration, not coercion. Oversight is vital, but it must respect the law and the dignity of those serving Kenyans at county level,” Mr Abdullahi added.