NAIROBI, Kenya — The Senate of Kenya has warned governors who fail to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that they risk fines of up to Sh500,000 or arrest.
The warning follows repeated absences by several county chiefs, who cited illness, travel abroad, prior commitments, and “unavoidable circumstances” as reasons for skipping hearings.
The committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, resolved to formally summon any governor who fails to attend sessions.
“We have received letters requesting the postponement of meetings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The chair has directed that the governors be summoned to appear before the committee at the earliest opportunity,” the committee said.
Governors’ Absences
Among those who sought postponements were the governors of Kisii and Kajiado, who said they were out of the country. Kericho Governor requested more time to allow his team to prepare responses, while Kakamega Governor cited unspecified “unavoidable circumstances.”
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo had previously appeared but cut short a session, saying he was too ill to continue. He declined an ambulance offer to take him to the hospital, prompting frustration among senators.
The repeated interruptions triggered a tougher stance from the oversight committee.
Legal Backing for Summons
Under Article 125 of the Constitution, Parliament and its committees have powers to summon any person to provide evidence or information. Section 18(1) of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act grants committees powers equivalent to those of the High Court, including the authority under subsection (3) to order the arrest of anyone who ignores a summons.
The committee indicated that enforcement, if necessary, would be carried out by Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Last month, Kanja assured senators that police are prepared to enforce parliamentary summonses.
“I am ready to arrest and present governors who fail to honour summonses by Senate oversight committees, provided you give me the time and date you want them presented before you,” he said.
Standoff With Council of Governors
The standoff escalated after the Council of Governors resolved that governors would avoid the Public Accounts Committee, citing concerns over alleged intimidation and politically motivated attacks by some members.
In a letter to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi said governors would continue appearing before other committees but would boycott PAC until their grievances are addressed.
“Regrettably, these concerns remain unaddressed. Indeed, the conduct in question has persisted with continued attacks against governors, including on the floor of the House,” Abdullahi wrote.
The confrontation underscores mounting tensions between county governments and the Senate, which is constitutionally mandated to oversee county finances and protect devolved governance.
