Senate, Governors Begin Talks to Resolve Standoff Over County Accountability

By Ben Okweingoti 

The Senate and the Council of Governors have initiated negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing standoff between senators and county chiefs that has threatened the smooth disbursement of funds to devolved units.

Kilifi Senator and Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo said the talks were necessary to restore cooperation between the two levels of leadership and safeguard the operations of county governments.

Speaking in Kilifi town, Madzayo warned that the stalemate was already affecting the flow of funds to counties, potentially disrupting service delivery to residents.

“We had indicated that if governors fail to appear before the Senate to account for monies allocated to their counties, we would block the release of funds from the National Treasury,” Madzayo said. “However, taking that route would ultimately harm devolution. That is why we have opted for dialogue to resolve the impasse.”

The senator also dismissed allegations linking members of the Senate to corruption in county governments, terming the claims baseless. He challenged those making the accusations to present evidence before the Senate or investigative agencies.

“There are politicians here in Kilifi accusing me of failing to safeguard county funds and alleging that I am colluding with Governor Gideon Mung’aro in corrupt dealings,” he said. “These are serious claims, and those making them should produce credible evidence.”

Madzayo defended Governor Mung’aro’s management of county resources, saying development projects implemented under his administration are visible across the county.

“Whenever we summon Governor Mung’aro to the Senate, he appears without fail. As a member of the Senate Investment Committee, I can attest that he has never missed a single summons,” he said.

He added that he remains committed to supporting his political party and working with the county leadership while executing his oversight mandate responsibly.

Governor Mung’aro, who also spoke on the matter, said his administration inherited a backlog of pending bills amounting to more than Sh3.7 billion, many of which he described as fraudulent.

“When I assumed office, the county had pending bills worth Sh3.7 billion. A significant number of them were questionable and originated from fake claims,” Mung’aro said.

He accused some of his critics of being among those who supplied goods or services linked to the disputed bills, insisting his administration has taken steps to restore financial discipline.

“Those claiming the pending bills are increasing are the same individuals who previously supplied ‘air’ to the county,” he said. “I can clearly demonstrate the work my administration has done for the people of Kilifi over the past three years.”