By Ongaga Ongaga
The Council of Governors (CoG) has accused four senators of presiding over or participating in alleged intimidation, harassment and extortion of governors during appearances before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).
In a formal resolution circulated on Tuesday, the CoG listed Senators Moses Kajwang, Edwin Sifuna, Samson Cherargei and Johnes Mwaruma as having been “consistently cited” in reports of political witch-hunts, intimidation and harassment of governors during CPAC hearings.
The resolution, adopted by the CoG, comes amid growing unease over the conduct of some Senate oversight proceedings, which governors argue have increasingly departed from constitutional principles of mutual respect and cooperative governance.
While affirming its support for accountability, transparency and oversight, the CoG said it was “fully aware” of the Supreme Court ruling delivered on October 7, 2022, which affirmed the Senate’s authority to summon governors to answer questions relating to county finances.
However, the governors argued that the manner in which some hearings are conducted falls short of constitutional standards.
The Council cited Articles 6(2), 174 and 189 of the Constitution, which emphasize cooperation and consultation between the national and county governments, and warned that adversarial oversight risks undermining devolution.
“Conscious and respecting the constitutional obligation of the Senate and the judgment delivered on the subject matter, [the Council] notes with dismay that the oversight exercised falls short of constitutional dictates,” the resolution states.
The standoff unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of county finances and politically charged Senate hearings that are often televised and widely shared online.
Several governors have in recent months complained that CPAC appearances have turned into public spectacles, with allegations of coercion and political pressure.
The Kisii Press Club, in a recent publication, reported about the broader atmosphere surrounding Senate oversight sittings, warning that heightened political hostility risks intimidating not only governors but also journalists covering the proceedings.
The naming of the four senators marks a significant escalation by the governors, who have traditionally avoided singling out individual lawmakers.
Analysts say the move could deepen institutional friction unless dialogue mechanisms between the Senate and county governments are restored.
Despite the sharp language, the CoG stopped short of calling for a boycott of Senate summons, instead urging reforms in how oversight hearings are conducted to ensure dignity, fairness and adherence to constitutional values.
KPC will pursue the Senators’ reactions to these accusations for further updates.