Sifuna, three Senators named in explosive extortion claims

By Newsflash Reporter

Ousted ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has been named by governors among four senators allegedly involved in extortion and intimidation of county chiefs during appearances before Senate committees.

In a letter written to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and signed by all 47 county governors on Wednesday, February 11, the Council of Governors (CoG) named Sifuna (Nairobi Senator), Senator Moses Kajwang’(Homa Bay), Samson Cherargei (Nandi) and Taita Taveta’s Johnes Mwaruma as lawmakers frequently cited in the alleged misconduct.

The resolution, adopted by the Council, raises serious concerns over what governors described as persistent harassment, political witch-hunts, and abuse of oversight powers by the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).

Governors raise alarm over Senate conduct

The Council of Governors said the Senate’s oversight mandate, though constitutionally recognised, has allegedly been exercised in ways that violate principles of integrity, fairness, and mutual respect between the two levels of government.

According to the resolution, the Constitution establishes a devolved system of governance that requires cooperation, consultation, and respect between national and county governments. The Senate is mandated to represent the interests of counties and oversee the use of national revenue allocated to them.

However, governors said that despite supporting accountability, transparency, and oversight processes, their experiences before Senate committees have raised serious concerns about extortion, intimidation, and political persecution.

The Council noted that while a 2022 Supreme Court ruling affirmed the Senate’s authority to summon governors to provide information relating to county revenue oversight, the manner in which the process has been conducted has allegedly fallen short of constitutional expectations.

The governors further argued that the oversight process should be exercised lawfully, ethically, and without abuse of office.

Boycott of Senate committee sittings

In response to the concerns, the Council of Governors announced the immediate suspension of appearances by governors before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee until the issues raised are conclusively addressed.

The Council also demanded the removal of the four senators named in the resolution from the affected committees as a condition for restoring confidence in the oversight process.

Additionally, governors called for the urgent convening of a structured engagement forum between the Senate leadership and the Council of Governors to establish clear, transparent, and respectful procedures governing appearances by county chiefs.

They said such engagements should safeguard governors from harassment, extortion, and political interference while ensuring effective accountability mechanisms.

The Council emphasised that its position does not oppose oversight but seeks to ensure that oversight processes are conducted fairly and professionally.

Commitment to accountability and devolution

Despite the standoff, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, prudent use of public resources, and good governance at the county level.

The governors said they remain dedicated to protecting and defending devolution as provided for under the Constitution, while also supporting lawful oversight mechanisms that enhance service delivery and transparency.

They further reiterated their willingness to cooperate with the Senate under mutually agreed frameworks that uphold respect, integrity, and institutional independence.

The resolution was communicated formally to Speaker Kingi, with the Council requesting an urgent meeting with Senate leadership to address the concerns raised and find a lasting solution to the impasse.