Kenyan governors have decided to suspend appearances before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) due to claims of intimidation and humiliation during oversight sessions. This was announced in a statement from the Council of Governors during their ongoing retreat. They argue it will ensure fair and manageable accountability.
In a statement issued during the ongoing Governors' Retreat, the Council of Governors (CoG) expressed concerns over the conduct of certain Senate committees, citing instances of intimidation and humiliation of governors during oversight engagements. "During the ongoing Governors' Retreat, the Council of Governors has raised concern over the conduct of certain Senate Committees, citing cases of intimidation and humiliation of Governors during oversight engagements," the council's statement read.
As a result, governors have resolved to ignore summons from the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) and agreed to appear only once before the Senate Public Investments Committee per audit cycle, aiming for orderly and effective oversight. They claimed to have faced threats, public shaming, extortion, and "witch hunts" from four specific senators, though their names were not disclosed.
By mandate, CPAC is tasked with examining audit reports from the Auditor General and holding county executives accountable for public funds. Governors are frequently summoned to justify expenditures, explain budget shortfalls, and address audit findings.
A notable example occurred earlier in February, when Bungoma County's government faced scrutiny after revelations that Ksh3.6 million was spent on a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in September 2019. During the session, CPAC Chairperson Moses Kajwang', alongside members like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, questioned the expenditure on a holiday decoration months before December. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka struggled to respond, insisting the event predated his tenure as it happened in 2019.
In another incident, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki reportedly walked out of an audit hearing, prompting the committee to threaten enforcement actions. Garissa Governor Nathif Jama was recently warned of penalties and travel restrictions for failing to honor summons related to audit reports.