CoG condemns senators over Samburu governor Lelelit Senate drama
By Aloys Michael, April 2, 2026The Council of Governors (CoG) has scolded senators over the dramatic standoff involving Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit at Parliament buildings, terming the incident lawless and a threat to constitutional order.
In a press statement on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the governors’ body decried what it described as an assault on the governor, accusing some members of the Senate of overstepping their mandate.
“The Council of Governors unequivocally condemns the shocking and unacceptable assault. This demonstration of hooliganism not only demeans the dignity of the public office of the governor but also strikes at the very heart of constitutionalism and the rule of law,” the statement read in part.
The CoG further warned that such actions undermine constitutional protections and democratic norms.
“Such violence is a blatant violation of the rights and protections guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya, which enshrines human dignity, respect and the peaceful conduct of public affairs as non-negotiable principles,” it added.
The condemnation follows chaotic scenes at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in the afternoon after Amason Kingi ordered the immediate arrest and escort of Governor Lelelit to a police station within Parliament precincts.
The Speaker’s directive came after confirming that the governor was within the august House buildings despite an active warrant of arrest issued over his failure to appear before the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).
“In the meantime, I order the sergeant-at-arms to escort Governor Samburu to the nearest police station,” Kingi directed during proceedings.
The warrant against Lelelit stemmed from repeated failure to honour summons linked to audit queries, placing him at the centre of a growing confrontation between county governments and the Senate over accountability processes.
During the heated session, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot urged swift action, warning that the governor could evade arrest.
“This is a serious matter; issue directives before the governor disappears,” he said, as proceedings unfolded.
His remarks were backed by Enoch Wambua, who criticised governors for what he termed persistent defiance of Senate summons.
“These games that are being played with Parliament must be brought to an end,” Wambua said.
Senators scoff at governors
However, the CoG maintained that while the Senate has a constitutional oversight role, it must exercise its authority within the confines of the law and with respect for institutional dignity.
“The Senate is established as an august House meant to protect the interests of County Governments. It is disheartening that this very House has resorted to witch-hunting, harassment, violence and intimidation,” the statement said.
The Council also linked the incident to a broader breakdown in intergovernmental relations, cautioning against the use of force in resolving disputes.
“At a time when intergovernmental relations demand dialogue and mutual respect, resorting to physical aggression reflects a dangerous erosion of democratic norms and a betrayal of the Kenyan people’s trust,” it stated.
In a direct appeal, the governors urged Speaker Kingi to take disciplinary action against those involved and to facilitate a lawful resolution to the dispute.
“We strongly urge the Speaker to condemn the Senators involved and expedite mechanisms for speedy resolution,” the statement said, adding that the conduct in question constitutes a criminal offence for which legal action will be proffered.
The CoG has also called on all state actors to uphold accountability, restraint and respect for human rights, urging immediate steps to uphold justice, safeguard constitutional order and restore integrity within our institutions.