Senate Warns Governors Against Defying Oversight Committees

The Senate has issued a strong warning to the Council of Governors (CoG), accusing county leaders of attempting to undermine constitutional oversight by suspending cooperation with key Senate audit committees.

In a statement from the Office of the Speaker, the Senate said it was alarmed by the governors’ decision to halt appearances before the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) and to limit engagement with the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPIC).

The move follows allegations by the CoG that some senators are engaging in political witch-hunts, harassment and extortion — claims the Senate says are unsubstantiated and damaging to the country’s accountability systems.

The Senate insists that its authority to oversee county finances is clearly provided for under the Constitution, particularly Article 96(3), which empowers it to monitor the use of national revenue allocated to counties.

It further pointed out that delaying audit hearings violates Article 229, which requires Parliament to consider audit reports within three months of submission by the Auditor-General.

“The audit process is not optional,” the statement said, warning that any obstruction weakens transparency and exposes public funds to abuse.

While maintaining it is open to structured dialogue, the Senate urged governors to stop what it termed as public grandstanding and instead use formal channels to raise concerns.

The standoff is expected to heighten tensions between the two arms of government as questions grow over accountability in county spending.