Speaker Kingi talks tough on Governors’ accountability as Senate retreat opens

Nakuru County
Friday, 27th February 2026

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has issued a stern warning to County Governors who evade Senate invites, declaring that the Senate will not tolerate attempts to undermine its constitutional oversight authority.
While officially opening the Fifth Session Assessment and Planning Retreat in Naivasha, Speaker Kingi addressed the recent standoff with the Council of Governors regarding their non-appearance before Senate watchdog committees. He termed the defiance "untenable," noting that accountability must follow the historic KShs 415 billion allocated to counties for the 2025/2026 financial year.
"Any directive barring Governors from appearing before Senate Committees is inconsistent with the Senate’s constitutional mandate," Speaker Kingi stated. "It is a contradiction to seek Senate support for enhanced revenue while resisting oversight on how those funds are spent. Accountability is not optional; it is a constitutional requirement."
The Speaker highlighted the Senate's critical role in the "final lap" of the 13th Parliament, urging members to remain disciplined as the 2027 political season intensifies. He cautioned that legislative business must not become "collateral damage" to election campaigns.
"As we enter this Fifth Session, we must prioritize result-oriented actions," Kingi noted. "The Fourth Session saw 127 plenary sittings and over 800 committee meetings. We must build on this momentum to address pending social reforms, health policies, and climate action."
The retreat, themed “Advancing the Senate’s Agenda: Review, Strategy and Sustainable Progress,” serves as a roadmap for the penultimate session of the current Parliament. Speaker Kingi concluded by calling for unity, reminding Senators that "beyond our political alignments, we are colleagues and compatriots tasked with protecting the interests of the 47 counties."