The Council of Governors (CoG) has called for the immediate withdrawal of alleged arrest warrants and any coercive measures targeting governors.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, March 31, CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi stressed that any action against governors should rely on verified facts rather than political or personal interests.
Additionally, the council condemned the arrest attempt on Monday, March 30, describing it as an action that deepens mistrust and undermines the rule of law.
They have also called on the National Police Service, through the Office of the Inspector General, to independently verify the issues in question to prevent what they describe as a potential miscarriage of justice or the misuse of state machinery for political or personal interests.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of any alleged warrants of arrest; we have not seen any. We also demand the withdrawal of any coercive measures against governors pending an impartial determination of this matter,” Ahmed Abdullahi said.
“Additionally, we urge the Office of the Inspector General of Police to establish the veracity of matters to avoid a miscarriage of justice or their use to perpetuate political and personal interests.”
Despite the standoff, the Council reaffirmed its willingness to engage constructively in resolving the matter, emphasizing its commitment to accountability, transparency, due process, and adherence to constitutional principles.
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Sakaja Pushes Back Against Arrest Move
The briefing follows Nairobi Governor Sakaja’s March 30, 2026, opposition to a police officer’s attempt to arrest him, which he called unnecessary and unwarranted.
The arrest order, issued after the governor failed to appear before a Senate watchdog committee, comes amid an ongoing standoff between the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Senate of Kenya.
Sakaja explained that his absence was in line with guidance from the CoG, which had advised governors not to appear before the specific committee until broader institutional concerns were resolved.
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Ongoing Dispute Between Senate and Governors
According to Sakaja, disputes between governors and senators should be handled collectively and institutionally rather than through actions targeting individual county leaders.
Nairobi governor stated that he has engaged with multiple Senate committees, including the Lands and Environment Committee, as recently as last week, and has frequently interacted with the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) on audit matters dating back to 2015.
The governor criticized the police deployment, questioning both the timing and the necessity of the operation.
He noted that the move created unnecessary tension, despite his being in office throughout the day and accessible through official channels.
Sakaja further revealed that the standoff is not limited to Nairobi.
On the same day, 29 governors were summoned by the Senate committee, but only two appeared, and even they declined to address substantive matters, following the Council’s position.
