The Council of Governors on Thursday April 2, 2026 strongly condemned what it describes as a shocking and unacceptable assault on Samburu County Governor Lelelit Lati, outside the Senate precincts on April 1, 2026.

In a press statement, the Council criticised what it described as the alleged actions of some Senators in attempting to compel Governor Lati to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), calling the conduct inappropriate and contrary to parliamentary norms.

The Council said the incident not only undermines the dignity of the public office of the Governor as a Head of Government, but raises serious concerns about adherence to constitutional principles and the rule of law.

The statement further described the conduct 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.”

The drama unfolded outside the Senate gates on when a group of Senators sought to compel Governor Lati to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) following an alleged summons over his failure to attend the committee.

The governor, who had visited Parliament to seek an audience with Senate leadership, resisted the move, prompting a chaotic standoff between his security detail and the lawmakers.

Governor Lati later addressed journalists outside Parliament, explaining 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.

“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,” he added

The Council of Governors criticised the Senate for resorting to witch-hunting, harassment, violence and intimidation, saying such behaviour does not befit the office of a Senator or the high repute expected of them.

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 governors also warned that the violent conduct against Governor Lati constitutes a criminal offence for which legal action will be proffered.