By KPC Reporter
The Council of Governors has decried “continuous and escalating extortion, political witch-hunt, harassment, intimidation and humiliation” of county leaders by certain members of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAIC).
In a statement issued at the ongoing Governors’ retreat, the Council announced that all Governors have suspended their appearances before the committee until four Senators accused of misconduct are removed. The Governors insist that oversight must be exercised “lawfully, ethically, and without abuse of office.”
“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 County Public Accounts Committee,” the statement read.
The Council emphasised that this decision does not reflect a lack of trust in the Senate as a whole.
On the contrary, Governors reaffirmed their confidence in other Senators and committees, signalling their willingness to engage constructively once leadership addresses the matter.
“To this effect, the Council has resolved that Governors will not appear before the CPAC committee until these concerns are addressed through a structured engagement between the leadership of the Senate and the Council of Governors,” the statement added.
Beyond CPAIC, the Governors also raised concerns about repeated summons to the Senate County Public Investment Committee.
They argued that appearing multiple times to discuss investment issues — including county funds, municipalities, and individual hospitals — is inefficient and disruptive.
The Council resolved that Governors will only appear once per audit cycle, streamlining accountability while maintaining transparency.
Drought Crisis in ASAL Counties
The statement further highlighted the worsening drought situation across the country, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties.
The Council Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi urged the national government, development partners, and stakeholders to intensify efforts to mitigate the crisis.
“We call upon the Government, Development Partners and all other stakeholders to enhance efforts to mitigate to avert the loss of lives, livestock and the overall impact of the drought,” the Abdullahi appealed.
Despite the suspension of appearances before CPAIC, the Governors reiterated their dedication to accountability and prudent use of public resources.
“The Council of Governors reaffirms its unwavering commitment to accountability and prudent use of public resources, but emphasises that oversight must be exercised lawfully, ethically, and without abuse of office,” Abdullahi said.
The retreat, themed “Re-positioning the Council to effectively respond to the prevailing Political Environment”, continues to deliberate on strengthening service delivery, refining priorities, and reinforcing strategic engagement with stakeholders.
