Governors Push Back: Arrest Warrants Called “Politically Motivated”

CoG demands immediate withdrawal of alleged arrest warrants, accusing Senate-led actions of undermining rule of law and threatening institutional trust.

The Council of Governors (CoG) has called for the immediate withdrawal of alleged arrest warrants and any coercive measures targeting governors, following the dramatic attempted arrest of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

During a media briefing on Tuesday, March 31, CoG chair Ahmed Abdullahi insisted that any actions against governors must rest on verified facts rather than political or personal interests.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of the alleged warrants of arrest or any coercive measures against governors, pending an impartial determination,” Abdullahi stated.

The Council condemned Monday’s attempted arrest of Sakaja, warning that such actions deepen mistrust and erode confidence in Kenya’s rule of law. CoG also called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to meticulously verify the accuracy of allegations before taking enforcement actions.

“We urge the Office of the Inspector General to establish the veracity of the matters to avoid miscarriage of justice or the misuse of legal processes for political or personal gain,” Abdullahi added.

Senate Oversight Sparks Clash

The statement comes days after the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) ordered IG Kanja to produce Sakaja and Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit for failing to appear before the committee. The Senate had threatened to declare the governors unfit for public office if they did not comply.

Attempts to arrest Sakaja at his office on Monday evening were unsuccessful, prompting the governor to release a statement condemning the action as an institutional—not personal—matter.

“The issue at hand is not a personal matter concerning Governor Sakaja Johnson, but one that is being handled collectively by the Council of Governors. It is therefore misleading to single out one Governor in a matter that is collective and consultative in nature,” Sakaja said.

In a dramatic turn, Sakaja later appeared before the Senate committee on Tuesday afternoon to respond to allegations of misappropriating county funds, including reports that seven advisors were allegedly paid over KSh 203,000 monthly.

CoG Stands Firm

The Council reaffirmed that it will not participate in Senate oversight sessions unless its demands are met, citing prior intimidation and humiliation of governors during such proceedings. CoG singled out four senators for allegedly using the sessions to extort and intimidate governors, though it emphasized its willingness to engage once concerns are addressed.

“We wish to affirm the council's commitment to constructive engagement aimed at resolving the impending matters, accountability, transparency, rule of law, and due process as established in the constitution,” the statement read.

The showdown underscores a growing tension between county executives and the Senate, raising questions about governance, accountability, and the limits of legislative oversight in Kenya’s devolved system.