Governors Decline PAC Appearances as Senate Defends Oversight Role

The Council of Governors has resolved that county governors will no longer appear before the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee (PAC), citing what they describe as persistent harassment, intimidation, political witch-hunts and alleged extortion during committee proceedings.The decision follows growing tension between county governments and the Senate over the conduct of accountability hearings examining the use of devolved funds.

Governors argue that the current engagement with the committee has become adversarial, undermining respectful intergovernmental relations and effective oversight.In response, members of the County Public Accounts Committee have warned that failure by governors to honour summonses could lead to punitive action.

Proposed measures include recommendations to reduce county budget allocations and amendments to Senate standing orders aimed at enforcing stricter accountability requirements.The committee is currently reviewing county expenditure in critical sectors such as health, water, education and municipal services.

Senators maintain that scrutiny of these sectors is necessary due to their significant share of county budgets and their direct impact on service delivery.PAC Chairperson Senator Moses Kajwang has firmly rejected claims of harassment, stating that parliamentary oversight is a constitutional obligation.

He emphasised that accountability cannot be compromised, regardless of the discomfort that may arise from rigorous questioning.Kajwang further indicated that the committee’s mandate would continue uninterrupted, adding that if concerns persist over his leadership, he is willing to step aside and allow Senator Edwin Sifuna to chair the proceedings.

He stressed that the committee’s focus remains ensuring transparency and proper use of public resources.The standoff highlights growing friction between the Senate and county governments, raising questions about how oversight of devolved funds will proceed if the impasse remains unresolved.