From 'harassment' to 'extortion' claims, inside COG's war with senators
Politics
By
Edwin Nyarangi
| Feb 10, 2026
Council of Governor Chairperson Ahmed Abdulahi addresses a press briefing at Silver Palm hotel in Kilifi town, on February, 9, 2026. [Nehemiah Okwembah, Standard]
The Council of Governors has accused four senators of political witch hunt and intimidation.
The CoG accused Senate County Public Accounts Committee Chairperson Moses Kajwang, Taita Tavern Senator Joined Mwaruma, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei of harrassing them during their appearance before the oversight committee.
Governors have threatened not to appear before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee and the Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee unless their concerns are addressed.
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CoG Chairperson, Ahmed Abdullahi, stated after a Governors’ retreat in Kilifi that he was concerned about what he described as continuous and escalating extortion, political witch-hunt, harassment, intimidation, and humiliation of Governors by some Senators.
“To this effect, the Council of Governors has resolved that Governors will not appear before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee until our concerns are addressed through a structured engagement between us and the Senate leadership,” said Abdullahi.
He said Governors are required to appear repeatedly before the County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee to discuss investments, including funds in municipalities, hospitals, and water companies. They have resolved to appear only once every audit cycle. He emphasised that the Council remains committed to accountability, but insists oversight should be lawful, ethical, and free of abuse.
Senate Public Accounts Committee Chairperson Moses Kajwang responded that Governors’ resolution implies they would only appear under their own terms. “They want to choose who sits in the committees, when they appear, and how they are questioned. I have never seen a case where suspects dictate the bench, it is completely ridiculous,” he said.
He noted that recent Auditor General reports and media coverage highlight serious allegations of county resource theft. Article 229 and 125 give the Senate the power to consider these reports and summon individuals for evidence. “Governors are bullying the Senate to avoid hard questions. Accountability is a duty to the public, not a favour to the Senate,” Kajwang added.
The Senator urged Governors to submit evidence of extortion or harassment to the relevant institutions, assuring that the Senate will continue to perform its oversight mandate. “Our committees will act decisively wherever public resources are pilfered, which appears to make some Governors uncomfortable,” he said.
Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee Chairperson Godfrey Osotsi criticised Governors who avoided hearings, warning the Senate may adopt Auditor General reports and recommend withholding funds from non-compliant counties.
Expected attendees—Issa Timamy (Lamu), Irungu Kangata (Murang’a), Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), and Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), did not show, attending a Kilifi retreat instead.
Vice Chair Eddy Oketch emphasised the March 31, deadline and Governors’ duty to account for public funds. Laikipia Senator John Kinyua suggested holding individual Governors accountable, rather than letting citizens suffer due to the inaction of some officials. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei criticised Governors for ignoring Senate summons and said some were avoiding scrutiny due to corruption scandals. He added that retreats are not a constitutional obligation. “They have gone to the retreat to eat and sleep while citizens suffer in poverty. They should have used retreat funds to help parents struggling to pay school fees,” Cherargei said.