NAIROBI, Kenya — The Council of Governors has demanded the immediate withdrawal of alleged arrest warrants and coercive measures targeting governors, following the attempted arrest of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Speaking during a media briefing Tuesday, Council chair Ahmed Abdullahi said any action against governors should be based on verified facts rather than political or personal interests.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of the alleged warrants of arrest or any coercive measures against governors, pending an impartial determination,” Ahmed said.
The governors condemned Monday’s attempted arrest of Sakaja, arguing that the move deepens mistrust and undermines the rule of law. They also called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to verify allegations before taking enforcement action.
“We also urge the Office of the Inspector General to establish the veracity of the matters to avoid miscarriage of justice or the misuse of legal processes for political or personal gain,” Ahmed added.
The standoff comes days after the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) directed the Inspector General to produce Sakaja and Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit for failing to appear before the committee.
Kanja had been given until Monday, March 30, to present the two governors or risk Senate action, including a recommendation to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declaring them unfit to hold public office.
Attempts to arrest Sakaja at his office on Monday evening were unsuccessful after police failed to locate him. Hours later, the Nairobi governor issued a statement describing the matter as institutional rather than personal.
“The issue at hand is not a personal matter concerning Governor Sakaja Johnson, but one that is being handled collectively by the Council of Governors. It is therefore misleading to single out one Governor in a matter that is collective and consultative in nature,” Sakaja said.
In a turn of events, Sakaja later appeared before the Senate committee on Tuesday afternoon, where he was expected to respond to queries over alleged misappropriation of county funds, including claims that seven advisers each earn more than Sh203,000 monthly.
The Council of Governors backed Sakaja’s position and resolved to snub a summons from the Senate CPAC, citing alleged intimidation and humiliation during oversight sessions. The governors also alleged that some senators had engaged in extortion, though they did not provide details.
Despite the standoff, the council said it remained open to dialogue and committed to accountability within constitutional frameworks.
“We wish to affirm the council’s commitment to constructive engagement aimed at resolving the impending matters, accountability, transparency, rule of law, and due process as established in the constitution,” the statement said.
