Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was on Monday issued with a warning after snubbing the second summons by the Senate Public Accounts and Investments Committee.
Committee chair and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang' warned that the governor would be fined should he fail to appear at the third meeting.
Senator Kajwang' added that the new date would be set in agreement with the governor's office and he would be required to attend.
The senators intend to question Governor Sonko concerning audit queries that were raised by the Auditor General.
[caption caption="Governor Mike Sonko greets a woman during a county function to celebrate World Breastfeeding Day on August 2, 2018"]
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The constitution of Kenya, in Article 125, states that parliamentary committees have the same powers as the High Court to enforce the attendance of witnesses, including issuing arrest warrants.
The accounts committee has been at loggerheads with a number of governors who have continued to ignore its call to attend meetings.
In July, Senator Kajwang' notified 14 governors, including Sonko, that their failure to appear was slowing down its mandate.
Those listed as defiant governors include Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), Patrick Khaemba (Trans-Nzoia), Moses Lenolkulal (Samburu), Martin Wambora (Embu), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta), Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Abdi Mahamud (Wajir), Mohamud Ali (Marsabit) and Ali Korane (Garissa).
"They (Governors) have no other option but to co-operate with us. It is sad that we had to issue summons as a last resort but that was the only thing we could do. The governors must accept[caption caption="Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang addresses the press during a past event"]
[/caption] to be held accountable," committee vice chairman Mithika Linturi noted.
The committee noted that only six of the 20 invited governors had honoured summons, these are Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Joyce Laboso (Bomet), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay) and Mohamed Kuti (Isiolo).
