CoG Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi address the Media in Kilifi together with other Governors during a two-day retreat held in Kilifi. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
The Council of Governors (CoG) has unanimously resolved to suspend all appearances before the Senate’s County Public Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAIC), citing alleged extortion, harassment, and what they term as intimidation of county leadership. The boycott will remain in force until a candid engagement is held between the Council and Senate leadership to address the concerns.
The resolution was reached during a two-day retreat held in Kilifi under the theme “Re-Positioning the Council for Effective Service Delivery in Light of the Political Environment.” More than 30 governors who attended the retreat maintained that persistent harassment by members of the oversight committee had made it difficult for county governments to operate effectively.
The governors emphasized that their decision does not amount to resistance to accountability, reiterating their commitment to transparency and prudent use of public resources. However, they insisted that the oversight process must be conducted with professionalism, fairness, and integrity.
In their push for dialogue, the governors singled out four senators whom they accused of being at the centre of alleged extortion schemes targeting county bosses. Although they stopped short of publicly naming the individuals during a press conference, the governors said they are prepared to present evidence, including identities of those involved, in an open engagement with Senate leadership.
CoG Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi criticized the CPAIC, describing it as having degenerated into a “circus and theatre” meant to humiliate governors rather than promote accountability. He also accused some senators of installing cameras in committee sessions for live streaming, alleging that the move is designed to push misleading narratives and damage the reputation of county governments.
The governors also defended auditors, claiming they have been subjected to undue pressure and criticism by senators whenever audit reports fail to implicate governors in financial mismanagement.
As part of their demands, the governors are calling for a thorough investigation by Senate leadership into the alleged misconduct and are seeking the reconstitution of the CPAIC to restore public confidence in the oversight process.
Despite suspending appearances before the CPAIC, the governors affirmed that they will continue cooperating with the Senate’s County Public Investments Committee (CPIC). However, they urged the committee to streamline its operations by summoning governors only once per audit review instead of multiple sessions.
The CoG further called on President William Ruto to intervene by engaging the Speaker of the Senate to help resolve the standoff. The governors noted that the issue had previously been raised during the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, where both President Ruto and former ODM leader Raila Odinga reportedly expressed concern over the conduct of Senate oversight committees and urged senators to uphold decorum in their engagements with county leadership.
The unfolding standoff signals growing tensions between county governments and the Senate, raising fresh questions about the balance between oversight and respect for devolved governance structures.
