The Council of Governors(CoG) has condemned what it termed a “lawless and violent” incident involving Samburu governor Lelelit Lati and senators during proceedings at the Senate of Kenya on Wednesday.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, April 2, the council accused members of the Senate of assaulting the Samburu governor, describing the incident as a violation of the Constitution and an attack on the dignity of public office.
The council said the alleged confrontation occurred as governors continued to resist summons by the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, a standoff that has heightened tensions between county governments and the Senate over oversight powers.
According to the statement, the incident amounted to “hooliganism” and undermined constitutional principles, including respect for human dignity and the rule of law.
“The demonstration of hooliganism not only demeans the dignity of the office of the Governor but strikes at the very heart of constitutionalism,” the statement read.
The council faulted the Senate, noting that it is constitutionally mandated to protect the interests of counties and has established legal mechanisms to execute its oversight role. It, however, accused some senators of resorting to intimidation and harassment instead of lawful processes.
The row stems from ongoing disputes over whether governors should personally appear before Senate committees or delegate accounting officers, an issue that has previously triggered legal and political battles between the two levels of government.
The governors’ body urged the Senate leadership, including the Speaker, to take action against those involved in the altercation and to facilitate a resolution to the impasse surrounding the County Public Accounts Committee.
It also indicated that the incident could attract legal action, stating that the alleged assault constitutes a criminal offence.
“We strongly urge the Speaker of the Senate to condemn the Senators involved and expedite mechanisms for a speedy resolution of the concerns raised,” the statement added.
The council, chaired by Ahmed Abdullahi, called on all state actors to uphold accountability, restraint and respect for human rights in the conduct of public affairs.
The Wednesday incident adds to a series of confrontations between governors and the Senate, reflecting ongoing friction over oversight authority and intergovernmental relations.