Lawmakers Criticise Sakaja Over Failure to Attend Senate Hearing

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja failed to appear before the Senate Education Committee on Thursday despite confirming his attendance earlier in the week.

The committee had convened to examine the state of pre-primary education in Nairobi County amid growing concerns over underfunding and administrative shortcomings. Governor Sakaja communicated his absence through a County Executive Committee Member, who submitted an unsigned letter, an action that several senators interpreted as dismissive and inappropriate.

Kirinyaga Senator James Murango criticised the governor’s conduct, accusing him of showing “open contempt” for the Senate. He suggested that political protection from senior national leaders, including President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, may have contributed to the governor’s repeated failure to honour summons from various committees. 

Murango warned that such political shielding could erode accountability at the county level. Committee vice-chairperson Professor Margaret Kamar expressed disappointment, citing the logistical and financial implications for senators who had travelled from across the country to attend the session. 

She called the governor’s absence a misuse of public funds and a violation of democratic responsibility, noting that attempts to reach him directly had been unsuccessful since Tuesday. Nominated Senator Betty Montet, who chairs the committee, dismissed claims from the governor’s office that he had personally informed her of his absence. 

“I want to confirm I have not talked to the governor, heard from him or looked for him,” she said, further casting doubt on the county’s explanation.

Senators noted that this was not the first time the governor had failed to attend committee hearings. He has previously missed sessions before the trade and devolution committees. Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu and Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku both criticised what they described as a pattern of avoidance, with Lenku calling the governor “very arrogant.” 

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma said the Senate could no longer “babysit” county leaders and called for the application of procedural penalties. Laikipia Senator John Kinyua underscored the constitutional role of the Senate in providing oversight and representing citizens. He questioned the governor’s priorities, referencing Sakaja’s earlier promise to deliver one million chapatis to schoolchildren as an example of political posturing taking precedence over governance.

Several senators are now calling for sanctions, including fines and potential arrest, to ensure compliance with Senate summons.