A coalition of human rights organisations has strongly opposed the decision by the Council of Governors (CoG) to boycott Senate oversight committees, terming the move a threat to constitutional accountability and the rule of law.
The standoff emerged after governors accused some senators sitting in the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) and County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPIC) of extortion, harassment and political witch-hunts during oversight hearings. The CoG subsequently suspended appearances before the committees and demanded their reconstitution.
In a joint statement issued on February 16, 2026, civil society groups warned that the boycott risks weakening constitutional checks and balances.
Citing Articles 96 and 125 of the Constitution, the groups noted that the Senate is mandated to oversee national revenue allocated to counties and has the authority to summon state officers, including governors, to account for the use of public funds.
“The CoG’s boycott undermines the rule of law and constitutional principles that all public officers must be accountable for their use of public resources,” the statement read in part.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the bribery and misconduct allegations raised by governors, the organisations called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conduct independent investigations into the claims.
The coalition, operating under the banner ‘Okoa Uchumi’, also faulted both national and county leaders for what it described as weak financial oversight and delayed auditing processes that have enabled misuse of public funds.
They cited Article 229(4) of the Constitution, arguing that failure to act on Auditor-General reports within the stipulated six-month timeline emboldens financial impunity.
The groups further urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Office of the Auditor-General to fast-track investigations and make their findings public.
Signatories to the statement include Transparency International Kenya, Amnesty International Kenya, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Mzalendo Trust and The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA).
The coalition issued nine demands, including prosecution of corruption-related offences and disciplinary action against any senator, governor or county official found culpable of extortion or abuse of office.
They warned that if state institutions fail to act decisively, Kenyans may be forced to pursue civic and judicial remedies to protect integrity and accountability in governance.
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