The Council of Governors has condemned the alleged forceful handling of Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit during his appearance before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, escalating tensions between county and national leadership.
In a statement issued on 2 April, CoG chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi accused members of the Senate of subjecting the governor to violence, terming the incident a violation of constitutional rights and an attack on the dignity of public office.
“The Council of Governors unequivocally condemns the shocking and unacceptable assault on Lati Lelelit, the Governor of Samburu County,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the incident undermines respect accorded to elected leaders and contradicts constitutional guarantees on human dignity and the peaceful conduct of public affairs.
Call for accountability
According to Abdullahi, the Senate is mandated to protect the interests of county governments but appears to have acted contrary to its constitutional role.
“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 read.
He warned that such conduct risks eroding public trust and weakening democratic institutions, adding that intergovernmental relations should be guided by dialogue and mutual respect.
The Council of Governors has called on the Speaker of the Senate to investigate the incident and take action against those involved.
“We hold that the violent conduct against the Governor of Samburu County constitutes a criminal offence for which legal action will be pursued,” Abdullahi said.
The development highlights growing friction between county governments and the Senate during oversight proceedings such as the County Public Accounts Committee hearings.
