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Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has dismissed claims that governors are attempting to evade accountability, saying the real issue lies with the conduct of a few senators who have allegedly turned oversight into a tool of intimidation and extortion.
Speaking amid rising tensions between county governments and the Senate, Barasa clarified that governors have no problem appearing before the House or its committees, stressing that accountability is a constitutional obligation they fully respect.
The issues raised by governors are not about running away from accountability,” Barasa said. “We have absolutely no problem with the 67 senators. Our concern is the conduct of four senators who have been notorious for their continuous and escalating extortion, intimidation, and harassment.”
Barasa noted that oversight by the Senate is critical to the success of devolution, but warned that the process risks losing credibility when it is abused for personal or political gain.
According to the governor, some senators have allegedly weaponised summons, audit queries and public hearings to pressure governors into compliance unrelated to service delivery.
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“This behaviour undermines genuine oversight and poisons the relationship between the Senate and county governments,” he added.
The governor emphasized that counties are already subject to multiple layers of scrutiny, including the Office of the Auditor General, county assemblies, and internal audit systems.
He argued that Senate oversight should complement these mechanisms rather than duplicate them in a manner that appears punitive or coercive.
Barasa also cautioned that persistent harassment of governors could destabilize devolution, a system designed to bring services closer to the people.
He said governors remain committed to transparency and prudent use of public resources, but will not accept intimidation masquerading as oversight.
“We welcome improvement audits and constructive engagement,” he said. “But we reject political blackmail and extortion that distract leaders from delivering services to wananchi.”
His remarks come as several governors have voiced similar concerns, calling for reforms in how Senate oversight committees conduct their work.
Some have proposed clearer rules to distinguish genuine accountability from what they term witch hunts.
As the standoff continues, Barasa urged dialogue and restraint, warning that public confidence in democratic institutions could be eroded if oversight bodies are perceived as tools for personal enrichment rather than public interest.
“We are ready to account,” Barasa concluded. “But accountability must be fair, lawful and respectful.”
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