Drama in Senate as Speaker Orders Arrest of Samburu Governor Lelelit

Tension gripped the Senate after Speaker Amason Kingi ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit to the nearest police station for defying an active arrest warrant.

The directive followed dramatic scenes where senators forced Lelelit into the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) chambers to answer audit queries he had repeatedly ignored.

“In the meantime, I order the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the Governor of Samburu, if he is still within the precincts of Parliament, to the nearest police station,” speaking during the session, Kingi issued a firm directive.

Earlier, lawmakers had confronted the governor within the Parliament buildings. Videos circulating online showed a heated moment as senators insisted that he must appear before CPAC.

Despite resistance, they pushed him into the committee room, escalating the standoff.

At the same time, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot backed the Speaker’s decision and called for immediate enforcement.

“We cannot allow a situation where a governor defies summons and walks freely within Parliament. The authority of this House must be upheld,” he stated.

Senate Enforces Accountability

The Senate issued the arrest warrant after Lelelit failed to honour several summons from CPAC, which is reviewing county expenditures for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Senators insisted that governors must comply with oversight processes.

“This is not a favour; it is a constitutional requirement,” during the session, lawmakers emphasized their position.

Also Read: “I Was Not Hiding,” Sakaja Says After Appearing Before Senate

Governors Push Back

However, the incident forms part of a wider standoff between the Senate and the Council of Governors.

Several governors have boycotted CPAC sessions, citing concerns over the committee’s conduct.

“The current environment does not guarantee fair and objective hearings.” In previous remarks, governors argued and called for reforms before resuming participation.

Also Read: Police to Arrest Governors Who Fail to Appear Before the Senate

Uncertainty Over Arrest

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounded the governor’s fate as the situation unfolded. It remained unclear whether authorities had taken him into custody.

Overall, the confrontation highlights growing tension between the Senate and county governments.

As both sides hold their ground, the dispute continues to raise questions about accountability and cooperation within Kenya’s devolved system.

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A past session of the Senate. PHOTO/Parliament.