Sakaja Requests Senate to Reschedule Meeting Amid Standoff
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has written to the Senate asking that upcoming engagements with the Senate Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) be rescheduled, citing ongoing tensions between governors and the upper house.
In a letter dated February 13, 2024, addressed to the Clerk of the Senate, Sakaja requested that the February 26 meeting be postponed.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances regarding governors’ appearances before the committee, and considering the meeting scheduled for 26th February between the Speaker of the Senate and the Council of Governors, I respectfully request that the committee considers rescheduling the meeting to a later date,” Sakaja wrote.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting the Senate’s oversight role and acknowledged its importance in protecting county governments and safeguarding devolution.
The move comes amid an escalating standoff, with governors formally identifying four senators they accuse of harassment and intimidation during oversight sessions. The Council of Governors (CoG) submitted a resolution to the Senate Speaker, demanding the removal of these senators from affected committees before they resume full participation in CPAC meetings.
Governors have also confirmed they will maintain their decision to suspend appearances before CPAC until their concerns are addressed. The resolution, signed by 41 county leaders, included a request for urgent high-level talks with Senate leadership to resolve the dispute.
The standoff began after governors announced in Mombasa that they would suspend appearances before CPAC and limit attendance before the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPIC) to once per audit cycle, citing harassment by some senators.
Senate leaders have dismissed the governors’ claims, insisting that appearances before committees are a constitutional obligation. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi warned that any attempt to suspend oversight threatens accountability and devolution.
“The Senate wishes to reiterate that its oversight role over county governments is firmly anchored in the Constitution,” Kingi said, citing Article 96, which empowers the House to oversee national revenue allocated to counties.
Senate Majority Leader added that governors’ appearances are mandatory, not optional. Homa Bay Senator, chair of CPAC, described the CoG allegations as “false and diversionary,” stating that governors cannot dictate the terms of committee questioning.
The CoG emphasized that its actions are not a rejection of accountability but are aimed at ensuring oversight is conducted lawfully, ethically, and respectfully. Governors called for structured intergovernmental engagement to set clear procedures, safeguards against political persecution, and timelines that prevent repeated summons over the same audit matters.
“The Council of Governors reaffirms its commitment to accountability and prudent use of public resources. However, oversight must be exercised lawfully, ethically, and without abuse of office,” the resolution stated.
Governors cited constitutional provisions on devolution, cooperation, and mutual respect between national and county governments, stressing that oversight should strengthen service delivery rather than create confrontational relationships.
Despite the tense standoff, the CoG said it remains open to dialogue and institutional solutions, reiterating its commitment to protecting devolution and good governance.