Governors Vow to Boycott Senate CPAC Grilling Until These 4 Senators Are Removed from Committee

Governors have threatened to boycott the Senate’s Committee on Public Accounts and Investments (CPAC) until four senators are removed, citing political harassment and selective targeting. 

The warning follows the issuance of a warrant of arrest for Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

CoG chairman Ahmed Abdullahi condemned the arrest move, calling it “unwarranted and disproportionate.” He urged police to remain neutral, warning against being drawn into political standoffs or personal agendas that undermine the rule of law.

Abdullahi described the targeting of Sakaja as “regrettable,” noting it reflects a wider concern among governors. He demanded immediate withdrawal of all coercive measures against governors pending impartial determination of ongoing disputes with CPAC.

He criticized the selective approach, pointing out that allegations against four senators remain unresolved. Abdullahi argued that pursuing governors while ignoring senators undermines parliamentary oversight and sets a dangerous precedent for governance.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and CoG vice chairperson echoed Abdullahi’s concerns. Njuki questioned how the committee could attempt to audit 29 governors in a single day, describing the exercise as political theatrics and harassment.

Njuki added that governors would only attend CPAC hearings if the committee ensures lawful and equitable engagement. “You cannot continue engaging people on one level while some senators participate differently. That is unlawful,” he said.

The senators whose participation has drawn ire include Otieno Kajwang’ (Homa Bay), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Samson Cherargei (Nandi), Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), and Richard Onyonka (Kisii). Their continued involvement, according to governors, compromises the fairness of the hearings.

Governors insist that the removal of the four senators is necessary for a credible audit and to prevent the committee from descending into politically motivated actions. They vow to resist coercive measures until their demands are met.

The standoff highlights a growing tension between the Senate’s oversight mandate and the Council of Governors’ defense of county executives. Observers warn that unresolved disputes could escalate into a broader institutional confrontation, affecting governance nationwide.

Governors emphasize that their stance is about protecting the integrity of county leadership, insisting that selective targeting erodes public confidence in parliamentary oversight. They demand transparency, fairness, and adherence to legal frameworks in all CPAC hearings.

This dispute comes amid heightened scrutiny of county finances and accountability. The outcome of this standoff could redefine the relationship between the Senate and county governments, setting a precedent for future oversight operations.