Governors Plot Their Next Move After Alleged Assault on Samburu Governor

The Council of Governors (CoG) has threatened legal action against members of the Senate following an alleged assault on Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit during a heated confrontation with the Senate County Public Accounts Committee within Parliament precincts.

In a statement dated Thursday, April 2, 2026, CoG Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi condemned the incident, describing it as “shocking and unacceptable” and a direct affront to the dignity of the office of a governor.

He accused the senators involved of engaging in conduct that undermines constitutionalism and the rule of law.

“The demonstration of hooliganism not only demeans the dignity of the Governor as a Head of Government, but also strikes at the very heart of constitutionalism,” Abdullahi said.

Council of Governors Condemns Samburu Governor’s Alleged Assault

The council said the confrontation involved harassment, threats and violence, warning that such actions weaken democracy and break public trust. It added that the Senate, which is meant to protect county governments, should carry out its duties lawfully and respectfully.

“At a time when intergovernmental relations demand dialogue and mutual respect, resorting to physical aggression reflects a dangerous erosion of democratic norms and a betrayal of the Kenyan people’s trust,” said the CoG.

Also Read: Drama in Senate as Speaker Orders Arrest of Samburu Governor Lelelit

CoG asked the Speaker of the Senate to take quick action against those involved, including condemning the alleged assault and helping to resolve concerns about the conduct of some members of the County Public Accounts Committee.

The governors also said the incident could be a criminal offence and signalled plans to take legal action against the senators involved.

CoG urged all leaders to remain calm and follow the law, respect human rights, and take urgent steps to rebuild trust in public institutions.

Governor Vows to Take Action Against Senators Who Allegedly Assaulted Him

The Council of Governors statement comes hours after the Samburu Governor, Jonathan Lati Lelelit, was allegedly assaulted by several senators at Parliament buildings in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

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

The incident occurred outside the Senate after a standoff over the governor’s repeated failure to honour summons from the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) regarding audit queries. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi had reportedly ordered his arrest for contempt.

While Governor Lelelit was speaking to the press or briefing outside the Senate, some senators, reportedly including those from the CPAC, confronted him.

They allegedly manhandled, roughed him up, and attempted to forcibly drag him into the precincts for questioning.

Lelelit has vowed to record a statement with the police and file assault charges.

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