Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi has issued a stern warning to governors, urging them to appear before the Senate for questioning or resign from office.
Speaking at a recent public forum, Murungi emphasized that county executives must be accountable to both the legislature and the citizens who elected them.
“Governors who refuse to appear before the Senate for questioning are undermining the very principles of accountability and transparency.
If you cannot subject yourself to scrutiny, the honorable thing to do is to resign immediately,” Murungi stated.
The Deputy Speaker’s remarks come amid growing tensions between some county leaders and the Senate, where several governors have reportedly failed to respond to summons on matters of public interest.
Issues under scrutiny include alleged misuse of county funds, irregular procurement practices, and delays in key development projects.
Murungi underscored that the Senate’s mandate includes oversight of county governments, and no officeholder is above this scrutiny.
“The Senate exists to protect the public’s interest. It is not optional for governors to appear. Accountability is non-negotiable,” he said.
The warning has reignited debates on the balance of power between the national and county governments.
Civil society groups have largely welcomed Murungi’s tough stance. Jane Mwangi, an advocate for public accountability, said, “This is a clear message that elected leaders cannot ignore oversight mechanisms without consequences.
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It is time for governors to understand that their positions are not personal fiefdoms but public trusts.”
However, some governors have pushed back, citing scheduling conflicts, political pressure, or claims of biased questioning. Murungi, addressing these excuses, reiterated that the Senate is willing to accommodate reasonable requests, but repeated defiance will not be tolerated.
Observers say the Deputy Speaker’s statement could set a precedent for more rigorous enforcement of accountability mechanisms, potentially reshaping the relationship between county governments and national oversight bodies.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes will be on the governors summoned in the coming weeks.
Will they heed Murungi’s ultimatum, or will the Senate move to invoke constitutional provisions to compel attendance or force resignations? The coming days could define the Senate’s role as a robust watchdog over devolved governments.
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