Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei has warned governors against defying Senate summons, saying police will enforce accountability measures if county chiefs fail to appear before parliamentary committees.
Speaking after remarks issued by governors during their recent retreat in Kilifi, Cherargei said the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, had confirmed that law enforcement officers are ready to act against any governor or witness who ignores summons from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).
“Today in the morning the Inspector General of Police Mr Douglas Kanja appeared before the Senate Public Accounts Committee at Parliament buildings and confirmed that the police will assist the committee to arrest any governor or witnesses who decline or fail to appear before any parliamentary committee to provide accountability to money or resources allocated to them,” Cherargei said.
The senator’s remarks come amid a standoff between the Council of Governors and the Senate. Governors, during their Kilifi retreat, resolved not to appear before CPAC, citing alleged harassment and misconduct by some senators.
They have called for dialogue and restructuring of the oversight process before resuming appearances.
However, Cherargei maintained that oversight of county governments is a constitutional mandate that cannot be negotiated away.
“Accountability of public resources is not a favour nor a privilege; it is a constitutional obligation as per leadership and integrity principles,” he said.
Under Article 96 of the Constitution, the Senate is mandated to oversee national revenue allocated to county governments.
CPAC specifically examines reports of the Auditor-General and queries governors over expenditure and financial management.
The governors’ boycott has raised concerns about a potential constitutional crisis, with legal experts warning that failure to honour Senate summons could amount to violation of the law.
At the same time, county leaders argue that oversight must be conducted within the confines of fairness and respect for devolved units.
Cherargei dismissed claims that Senate oversight amounts to intimidation, insisting that elected leaders must be prepared to account for public funds.
He argued that appearing before committees is part of public service and leadership responsibility.
The dispute now places the National Police Service at the centre of enforcement, following the Inspector General’s assurance to the committee.
Whether arrests will follow remains to be seen, but the Senate appears determined to assert its authority.
As the standoff deepens, the coming days could test the balance between devolution and parliamentary oversight in Kenya’s governance framework.