The Senate County Public Accounts Committee has ordered the arrest of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja after finding him in contempt of Parliament, escalating a standoff over accountability and financial oversight.
The committee also imposed a KSh500,000 fine on the governor and directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure Sakaja is apprehended and presented before the panel on Monday, March 30.
The decision follows repeated failure by the governor to honor invitations and summons issued by the committee. According to lawmakers, Sakaja did not appear despite being invited three times, prompting the committee to take enforcement action.
Senator Moses Kajwang confirmed the directive, stating that the Inspector General must ensure the governor appears before the committee as required by law.
Audit Queries Raise Fresh Concerns
The committee’s move comes amid growing scrutiny of Nairobi County’s financial management, based on findings from the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/25 financial year.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna urged the committee to hold the governor accountable, citing serious concerns over how public funds have been utilized.
Among the issues flagged:
KSh840 million recorded as personnel expenses without supporting documentation
KSh1.9 billion withdrawn from the salary account without payroll records or approvals
KSh544 million spent on fuel, with questions raised over accountability and asset use
Auditors also highlighted that the county outsourced waste collection services while still maintaining 56 garbage trucks, which consumed KSh124.5 million in fuel.
Additionally, KSh15.7 billion allocated for waste management has come under scrutiny, with senators questioning value for money and transparency.
Questions Over Staffing and Expenditure
Further concerns were raised over the appointment of seven advisors earning a combined KSh10 million per month.
Lawmakers argued that their roles overlap with those of County Executive Committee Members, raising questions about duplication and unnecessary expenditure.
Senator Sifuna warned that the scale of irregularities could justify drastic action, including potential suspension of funds to the county if accountability is not enforced.
What Happens Next
The committee is expected to determine whether the governor’s actions amount to a gross violation of the Constitution. If such a finding is made, the matter will be forwarded to the Senate for further action, potentially escalating into a larger constitutional process.
The developments mark a significant moment in the ongoing push for accountability within county governments, as pressure mounts on public officials to comply with oversight institutions.
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