Kajwang’ described their repeated failure to attend sessions as “mischievous,” noting that committee proceedings are broadcast live and often attended by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Senators have issued a stern warning that they may withhold additional funds from counties if governors continue dodging appearances before oversight committees.
The caution comes amid growing frustration over repeated absences by county executives, who are expected to account for billions in public resources.
“The governors cannot run away from accountability yet expect the Senate to increase their allocations in July,” said Moses Kajwang’, the chairperson of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).
His remarks followed a boycott by several county leaders, who claim they face harassment and intimidation during hearings.
Governors are seeking Sh534.96 billion for the next financial year, up from the current Sh415 billion. Kajwang’ described their repeated failure to attend sessions as “mischievous”, noting that committee proceedings are broadcast live and often attended by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
“The Senate considers the decision by governors to continue boycotting their appearance before oversight committees as contempt of the entire House,” he said. “They should not expect the Senate to support more allocations given the contempt they are showing.”
This week, the governors of Wajir (Ahmed Abdullahi), Migori (Ochillo Ayacko), Baringo (Benjamin Cheboi), Tana River (Dhadho Godhana), and Taita Taveta (Andrew Mwadime) were scheduled to face CPAC but failed to attend.
Since devolution began, senators have often pushed for higher allocations for counties, citing what they describe as inadequate funding from the National Treasury and National Assembly.
In the last financial year, senators rejected a Sh405 billion allocation, resulting in a mediation that raised the amount to Sh415 billion. Previously, disagreements with the National Assembly led to an increase of at least Sh2 billion in county funding.
Kajwang’ told journalists at Parliament Buildings that CPAC had initially aimed to complete scrutiny of county spending by March 16.
“However, the missed appearances mean additional time must be allocated to meet the March 31 deadline. They must be aware that they are accountable for the Sh415 billion allocated to them in this financial year,” he said.
He stressed that the Senate cannot be directed by the Council of Governors (CoG) on how to conduct its work and that the constitution governs all processes. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna added that the Senate is determined to ensure county executives answer for every shilling allocated.
Recent CPAC hearings have exposed questionable expenditures in several counties. Vihiga reportedly spent Sh5 million on a housewarming event for the county assembly speaker.
In Bungoma, Sh3.6 million went into a Christmas tree, while in Embu, over Sh10 million set aside for development projects was allegedly redirected to fund a boda boda event.
“The governors are embarrassing themselves. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki recently ran away from the Senate and once claimed he had left his glasses at home and could not read a report he presented, yet he calls us extortionists,” Sifuna said. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei emphasised that appearing before the Senate is a constitutional duty, not a privilege.
