Council warns that physical aggression threatens democratic norms and public trust.
The Council of Governors (CoG) has strongly condemned what it describes as a “shocking and unacceptable assault” on Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit outside the Senate precincts on April 1, 2026. The alleged incident, involving a group of Senators, has sparked sharp criticism from the Council, which warns that such behavior threatens constitutional order and public trust in state institutions.
In a press statement released on April 2, 2026, the Council criticized the alleged actions of certain Senators who reportedly tried to physically compel Governor Lelelit to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC). The Council labeled the conduct as “inappropriate” and “contrary to parliamentary norms,” adding that it not only undermines the dignity of the office of Governor but also raises serious concerns about adherence to the rule of law.
The statement went further, describing the behavior as “hooliganism” and “a potential violation of the rights and protections guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya, which upholds human dignity, respect, and the peaceful conduct of public affairs as fundamental principles.”
How the incident unfolded
The drama unfolded outside the Senate gates on Wednesday when a group of Senators sought to force Governor Lelelit to appear before CPAC following an alleged summons. The Governor had failed to attend a previous committee meeting, which prompted the Senators’ actions. Governor Lelelit had actually visited Parliament to seek an audience with Senate leadership over the matter. However, when the Senators attempted to detain or force him into the committee room, he resisted, leading to a chaotic standoff between his security detail and the lawmakers.
Speaking to journalists outside Parliament shortly afterward, Governor Lelelit explained that he had been scheduled to appear before two different Senate committees at the same time. “On March 26, I was invited to appear before the CPIC committee at 10 am and the CPAC at 9 am on the same day. It is not humanly possible to appear before two committees at the same time,” he said.
He also claimed that he had not been formally served with any arrest warrant. “I am here because two days ago, I got information circulating on social media that someone was seeking to arrest me. I was shocked because I had not been invited to the Senate on that day. No warrant was served to me,” the Governor added.
Council demands action
The Council of Governors strongly criticized the Senate for resorting to what it termed “witch-hunting, harassment, violence, and intimidation,” saying such behavior does not befit the office of a Senator or the high repute expected of them.
The CoG urged the Speaker of the Senate to publicly condemn the Senators involved and “expedite mechanisms for speedy resolution of the concerns raised by the Council of Governors against some members of the County Public Accounts Committee.”
The statement also warned that the violent conduct against Governor Lelelit “in fact constitutes a criminal offense for which legal action will be proffered.”
“The Council wishes to remind all state actors that leadership is bound by the tenets of accountability, restraint, and adherence to human rights, and calls for immediate action to uphold justice, safeguard constitutional order, and restore integrity within our institutions,” said Ahmed Abdullahi, Chairman of the Council of Governors.
A broader warning
The Council’s statement stressed the need for all state actors to respect constitutional protections and avoid actions that could erode democratic norms. “Resorting to physical aggression reflects a dangerous erosion of democratic norms and a betrayal of the Kenyan people’s trust,” the statement said.
As investigations continue, the Council has called for a measured response that upholds the rule of law, protects public officers from harassment, and ensures that parliamentary oversight is conducted strictly within constitutional bounds. The CoG reaffirmed that while accountability is essential, it must never be pursued through violence or intimidation.
