Senators call for stronger punitive measures against governors who snub summons

A major clash is brewing between governors and senators over the increasing failure of the county bosses to appear before Senate committees to account for billions of shillings they oversee and also discuss other matters in their administrations.

Over the past two weeks, at least 10 governors have ignored invitations from the Senate, prompting outrage among lawmakers who are now calling for stronger punitive measures.

The issue has escalated tensions as governors are accused of shirking their responsibility to account for billions of shillings under their control and answer questions about financial management within their counties.

The Senate, exercising its oversight mandate, relies on regular appearances by governors and county officials to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

However, several governors have failed to honour these summonses, prompting the Senate to demand tougher consequences, including a potential Sh2 million fine and even arrest for those who persist in ignoring the invitations.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, the vice-chairman of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), voiced his frustration with the growing trend of governors not attending scheduled meetings.

Undermines Senate's oversight work

Cherargei, who was standing in for CPAC Chairman, Senator Moses Kajwang' of Homa Bay, pointed out that the repeated failure of governors to attend these sessions undermines the Senate's oversight work.

"In carrying out our oversight mandates over county governments, committees of the Senate issue invitations to county executives and governors to deliberate and interrogate matters within the mandates of respective committees," Cherargei said.

"But a trend has developed where some governors have consistently failed to honour invitations by committees. In doing so, they request postponements without justifiable reasons," he added.

Cherargei noted that the delays are impacting the Senate's ability to hold governors accountable and execute their oversight role effectively.

"The frequent request for postponement of meetings has greatly derailed the effective discharge of committees' mandates, thus negatively impacting the oversight mandate of the Senate," he said.

Among the governors who have failed to appear before Senate panels in the past two weeks are Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka-Nithi, Simba Arati of Kisii, Ken Lusaka of Bungoma, Mohammud Ali of Marsabit, and Gideon Mung'aro of Kilifi.

Last week, governors George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia, Hillary Barchok of Bomet, Joseph Ole Lenku of Kajiado, Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga, and Irungu Kang’ata of Murang'a also failed to attend scheduled sessions.

Audit queries

These county chiefs were expected to respond to various audit queries, including explanations for multi-million shillings in unaccounted-for expenditures within their administrations.

These issues have raised serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and governance at the county level, with senators arguing that the lack of accountability could have far-reaching consequences.

The ongoing standoff highlights growing tensions between the executive and legislative branches at both the county and national levels.

Senators argue that without strict oversight, counties could be left unchecked, potentially leading to misuse of public funds.

The Senate, which has the constitutional mandate to oversee county governments, is warning that governors' continued disregard for invitations could lead to significant legal and financial consequences.