Update, Thursday, April 11: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has responded to orders issued by the Senate directing his arrest and a further fine of Ksh500,000 for unwarrantedly skipping summons.
Taking to his X account, Sakaja voiced the significance of attending the senate summons but maintained that he was out of the country and thus could not appear for grilling.
"I have appeared severally and will continue to do so. I have no reason not to respond to any questions raised on Mradi or FY 20-22 audits," Sakaja commented.
"Many appearances by other invitees have been rescheduled due to travel, infirmity or prior booked official engagements."
Senate Energy Committee on Thursday, April 11, directed the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to arrest Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja
This is after the latter failed to appear for summon over the Miradi gas explosion which occurred in the Embakasi area of Nairobi earlier this year.
The governor was also fined Ksh500,000 as per the statutory requirements for leaders who unwarrantedly skip summons by parliament.
Upon the governor's arrest, IG Koome was instructed to present Sakaja to the committee on the morning of April 25.
"Whoever is protecting Johnson Sakaja must know he is an accomplice and must look in the mirror and let justice prevail," commented Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina.
"National Police Service, if you believe in following the law arrest Mr Sakaja and deliver him to the Senate," Ledama added.
It is not the first time that the Nairobi governor has been fined for failing to appear before the Senate. On April 8, The County Public Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAIC) issued a warning to Sakaja after the latter missed the committee's summon.
This prompted the committee to issue a 14-day ultimatum for the governor to appear and answer audit queries.
In November last year, the senate similarly directed the arrest of Sakaja and his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika.
The duo was also fined Ksh500,000 for missing the sessions without any viable reason.
This is after the two governors were summoned to appear before a senate committee to address audit questions raised by the Auditor General about Water Companies in their counties for the fiscal years 2018-2021.
Both Governors initially requested the committee to reschedule their appearances because they were out of the country. The committee was, however, not satisfied with their explanation.
In a statement, the committee further explained the crucial need for governors to uphold accountability in service delivery.
