The Senate Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources took stern action against Bungoma Governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka after he failed to appear before the panel as required. The Committee, chaired by Senator Mohamed Faki, was conducting oversight on county projects under the FLLoCA programme.

The Committee emphasised that adherence to summonses is crucial for accountability and effective governance.

“In the sitting, the Committee imposed a fine of Ksh500,000 on Bungoma Governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka for failing to honour the Committee’s summons,” the Senate stated.

The Committee also received an update from Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomurukai on the status of FLLoCA-funded projects in his county, highlighting progress and ongoing initiatives.

Governors boycott Senate CPAC over harassment

The Council of Governors (CoG) announced that governors will cease appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), citing harassment and political witch-hunting by the committee.

The committee raised concerns over the conduct of certain Senate Committees, citing cases of intimidation.

“During the ongoing Governors’ Retreat, the Council of Governors has raised concern over the conduct of certain Senate Committees citing cases of intimidation, harassment and humiliation of Governors during oversight engagements,” CoG said.

The Council of Governors has demanded that the Senate Committee address concerns about intimidation through structured engagement with Senate leadership.

The Governors have vowed not to attend any summons by the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) until the laid out concerns are addressed.

“The Council has resolved that Governors will not appear before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) until these concerns are addressed through structured engagement with Senate leadership,” they explained.

The Governors noted that they will only show up at least once per audit cycle before the Senate Public Investments Committee to ensure orderly and effective oversight.

“Further, Governors resolved to appear only once per audit cycle before the Senate Public Investments Committee to ensure orderly and effective oversight,” CoG added.