“We Are Not Sifuna” – Maralal Residents Protest After Governor Lelelit Senate Drama

file image of protesters in Samburu, Maralal

Protests erupted in Maralal, Samburu County, on Thursday, April 2, following a dramatic incident at the Senate involving Governor Lati Lelelit.

Residents took to the streets to voice anger over how their county leader was treated during the Senate session.

The demonstrations targeted certain Senators, notably Edwin Sifuna, whom protesters accused of disrespecting the governor during the confrontation.

Protesters carried tree branches and placards with messages such as “We Are Not Sifuna” and “Senate is No Longer a House of Honourables”, signaling dissatisfaction with the conduct witnessed in the upper chamber.

One resident said the Senate’s oversight role is important but argued that the treatment of their governor had crossed a line.

"Yesterday we were humiliated by the embarrassment our governor faced at the Senate. We respect the Senate as they oversee counties, but the way people like Sifuna grabbed our governor was unacceptable," the resident said.

Another protester questioned what they perceived as selective scrutiny, suggesting the incident reflected deeper flaws in Senate conduct.

"If our governor is a thief, why aren’t governors from other counties also considered thieves? The Senate is starting to lose respect," the protester added.

Earlier on Thursday, the Council of Governors (CoG) condemned the incident.

In a statement, CoG Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi expressed outrage over the alleged assault, warning that such actions undermine the Constitution and intergovernmental relations.

The council described the incident as an attack not only on the individual but also on the office he holds and the constitutional framework.

"This demonstration of hooliganism not only demeans the dignity of the public office of the Governor as a Head of Government, but strikes at the very heart of constitutionalism and the rule of law. Such violence violates the rights guaranteed under the Constitution, which enshrines human dignity, respect, and peaceful public affairs as nonnegotiable principles," the statement read.

The CoG noted that the Senate has a defined constitutional role and should operate within legal frameworks rather than resorting to confrontational tactics.

"The Senate is established as an August House meant to protect the interests of County Governments and has lawful means of enforcing its mandate in line with the Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders," the council added.

The CoG also criticized the conduct of some Senators, accusing them of engaging in actions below the standards expected of their office.

"It is disheartening that this House has resorted to witch-hunting, harassment, violence, and intimidation. We explicitly condemn these acts as they do not befit the office of a Senator or the high repute expected of them," the statement continued.

Highlighting the broader implications, the CoG warned that such incidents risk undermining democratic norms and eroding public trust in institutions.

"At a time when intergovernmental relations demand dialogue and mutual respect, resorting to physical aggression reflects a dangerous erosion of democratic norms and a betrayal of the Kenyan people's trust," it read.

The CoG called on the Senate leadership to act swiftly to address the matter and restore confidence in the institution.

"We strongly urge the Speaker of the Senate to condemn the Senators involved in the assault and expedite mechanisms for speedy resolution of the concerns raised by the Council of Governors against some members of the County Public Accounts Committee," the statement concluded.