“The issue at hand is not a personal matter concerning Governor Sakaja Johnson but one that is being handled collectively by the Council of Governors,” stated Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, addressing the ongoing tensions between the Council of Governors and the Senate.
Sakaja’s remarks come in the wake of a police operation aimed at arresting him for allegedly failing to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee. He described the police’s actions as excessive, stating, “The show of force by armed officers was unnecessary.” This operation included police officers camping at City Hall, which Sakaja deemed misguided.
On March 31, 2026, Sakaja appeared before the Senate, effectively ending a police hunt for him. This appearance was significant as it followed a fine of Ksh500,000 imposed by the Senate watchdog committee for his earlier absence. Sakaja explained that his failure to appear was in line with directives from the Council of Governors, underscoring the collective nature of the governance issues at play.
During his Senate appearance, Sakaja emphasized his commitment to accountability, stating, “I came to the Senate to meet the leadership and members of the committee. First, I am a law-abiding citizen.” He has previously appeared before Senate committees six times in 2026 and approximately ten times in 2025, indicating his willingness to cooperate with oversight processes.
Moreover, Sakaja pointed out that he is not alone in facing scrutiny, noting that 29 governors had been summoned before the same committee, with many failing to appear. He argued that it is unfair to single out one governor or county, saying, “It is wrong to single out one county or one governor. The drama we are seeing is not fair.”
As the situation unfolds, Sakaja remains open to addressing the committee’s concerns once the underlying issues are resolved. He reiterated, “I have nothing to hide and was available for questioning.” The ongoing standoff between the Council of Governors and the Senate continues to raise questions about governance and accountability in Kenya.
What observers say
The ongoing disputes between governors and senators highlight the challenges of governance in Kenya, with many calling for institutional solutions rather than individual actions. Sakaja’s case exemplifies the tensions that can arise when oversight mechanisms are perceived as targeting specific individuals rather than addressing broader systemic issues.
