The Council of Governors has condemned what it described as a shocking and unacceptable assault on Samburu Governor Lelelit Lati outside the Senate precincts on 1 April 2026.
In a statement issued on 2 April 2026, the council criticised the alleged actions of some senators who attempted to compel Lati to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee. It termed the conduct inappropriate and contrary to parliamentary norms.
The council said the incident undermines the dignity of the office of the governor as a head of government and raises concerns about adherence to constitutional principles and the rule of law. It further described the confrontation as hooliganism and warned it could amount to a violation of constitutional protections, including human dignity and the peaceful conduct of public affairs.
The incident unfolded outside Senate gates when a group of senators reportedly sought to enforce Lati’s appearance before the County Public Accounts Committee following claims he had failed to honour a summons.
Lati, who had gone to Parliament to seek an audience with Senate leadership, resisted the attempt, triggering a standoff between his security team and lawmakers.
Standoff outside Senate
Speaking to journalists after the incident, the governor said scheduling conflicts had prevented his attendance before the committees.
On 26 March 2026, I was invited to appear before the County Public Investments Committee at 10.00am and the County Public Accounts Committee at 9.00am on the same day. It is not humanly possible to appear before two committees at the same time, he said.
Lati also denied receiving any formal arrest warrant.
He said he had only learned through social media reports that there were attempts to arrest him, adding that he had not been officially invited to appear before the Senate on that day.
The Council of Governors accused the Senate of resorting to what it termed witch hunting, harassment, violence and intimidation, saying such actions fall short of the standards expected of elected leaders.
It urged the Speaker of the Senate to condemn the conduct and fast track mechanisms to address concerns raised about members of the County Public Accounts Committee.
The council warned that the alleged violence could constitute a criminal offence and indicated that legal action may follow.
Ahmed Abdullahi, chairperson of the Council of Governors, said leadership must be guided by accountability, restraint and respect for human rights.
The council wishes to remind all state actors that leadership is bound by the tenets of accountability, restraint and adherence to human rights, he said.
The council said the incident highlights broader concerns about erosion of democratic values and institutional integrity.
Resorting to physical aggression reflects a dangerous erosion of democratic norms and a betrayal of the Kenyan people’s trust, the statement said.
It called for a measured response that upholds the rule of law, protects public officers from harassment and ensures parliamentary oversight remains within constitutional limits.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as the council continues to push for accountability and respect for constitutional order.
