Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna fights back after explosive allegations by the Council of Governors, threatening court action and accusing unnamed governors of a political smear campaign.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has fiercely dismissed allegations of extortion and harassment levelled against him by the Council of Governors (CoG), branding the claims as “politically motivated, defamatory, and calculated to destroy his reputation.”
Speaking on Thursday, February 12, Sifuna broke his silence in a strongly worded rebuttal, insisting he has conducted himself transparently in his public duties and challenging his accusers to table concrete evidence.
“This is a coordinated war against Edwin Sifuna. You people know me; you have seen me at work. The Kenyan public knows me. Those governors that are making those allegations, we will meet them in court,” Sifuna declared.
Governors Name Four Senators in Explosive Resolution
The storm erupted after the Council of Governors, led by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, named Sifuna among four Senators accused of extortion, intimidation, and political harassment during appearances before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).
The other Senators cited are:
Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay)
Samson Cherargei (Nandi)
Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta)
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 11, the CoG accused the lawmakers of persistent misconduct during oversight proceedings, describing them as “notorious” in the alleged practices.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senators have been consistently cited as being notorious in these practices,” the resolution read in part.
Constitutional Mandate vs. Alleged Abuse
The governors acknowledged that under Article 96 of the Constitution, the Senate has the mandate to represent county interests and oversee national revenue allocated to counties.
However, they argued that the manner in which CPAC proceedings have been conducted falls short of constitutional standards. The CoG cited what it termed as sustained cases of political witch-hunts, harassment, intimidation, and extortion.
As a result, governors resolved to boycott appearances before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee with immediate effect, pending the resolution of the concerns raised.
They further demanded:
The removal of the four named Senators from the affected committees
An urgent structured engagement forum between Senate leadership and the Council of Governors
Clear, transparent modalities governing governors’ appearances before Senate committees
The council emphasized that while it remains committed to accountability and prudent use of public resources, oversight must be conducted lawfully and ethically.
“Bring the Evidence,” Sifuna Fires Back
Sifuna, who has recently faced political turbulence following his removal as ODM Secretary General, did not mince words in his response.
“It is very defamatory for you to stand up and say I have extorted you. If I have ever extorted you, you bring the evidence for Kenyans to see,” he said.
The Senator maintained that allegations of criminal conduct cannot stand without proof and warned that legal action is imminent against those making what he termed reckless accusations.
The escalating standoff threatens to deepen tensions between the Senate and county governments, potentially paralysing oversight mechanisms meant to safeguard billions in devolved funds.
With governors boycotting CPAC and Senators standing their ground, the battle lines are now firmly drawn.
Whether this confrontation ends in the courtroom or at the negotiating table, one thing is clear: the fight over accountability, power, and political influence in Kenya’s devolved system has entered a new and explosive chapter.
