Sifuna differs with Raila over Senate oversight on county govts
By William Muthama, August 19, 2025Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has differed with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga over the Senate’s role in county oversight, saying the former Prime Minister could have been misled by advisors.
Speaking at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Sifuna defended the Upper House’s constitutional mandate and its authority to summon governors.
“It is not the governors who have been misadvised; it is those giving advice to national leaders. Proper counsel is critical, especially on matters of devolution,” he told committee members.
He cited Articles 96 and 123 of the Constitution to reinforce the Senate’s authority to summon governors and other officials.
“The Supreme Court has confirmed that the Senate can oversee both equitable share funds and on-source revenue. It is improper advice to claim the Senate cannot call governors,” Sifuna added.
Sifuna also criticised the lack of defence from some national leaders when Senate committees face scrutiny.
“Our biggest frustration is seeing leadership fail to defend the Senate. Committees like PAC cannot be expected to do this alone. The institution must be protected from misinformation,” he said.
His remarks came a day after Raila Odinga, the ODM party leader, questioned why governors were being summoned by the Senate over county matters.
Speaking during ODM and Kenya Kwanza talks on Monday, August 18, 2025, Raila argued that oversight of governors falls under Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), not the Senate.
“Senate is wasting governors’ time by calling them to answer questions about roads in counties,” he said.
In recent times, Sifuna, who is also ODM’s Secretary-General, has openly differed with some party positions.
The remarks come a few weeks after the senator indicated that he was going to leave the party if it supported President William Ruto’s 2027 presidential bid, reflecting a growing rift within ODM as key leaders navigate their political alignments ahead of the next general election.