Nairobi UDA Members of the County Assembly have come to defend Governor Johnson Sakaja on allegations of skipping Senate summons.
The governor was on Thursday fined Sh1 million for allegedly skipping Senate summons.
Speaking to the press on Friday, Minority Whip Mark Mugambi defended the governor saying Sakaja has been attending summons.
"We have seen a political onslaught hoodwinked as oversight on Nairobi County. The Governor and his executive have been attending both senate and county assemblies. This financial year alone, the governor has been to the senate more than 11 times and we are sure he will go there to respond," Mugambi said.
The Senate committee had summoned Sakaja to shed light on the progress of regeneration projects across city estates.
On Thursday Sakaja said that he values the mandate of the Senate and will continue to appear before the House when required.
The governor said that appearing before the Senate is a constitutional requirement that he takes seriously.
He, however, said it was unfortunate that the matter was being sensationalized.
The Energy Committee chaired by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga had a week ago fined the city boss for snubbing its summon.
"Sensationalizing a rescheduling and making the Senate appear as if it acts in vain is what belittles the house," Sakaja posted on his X account.
“Many appearances by other invitees have been rescheduled due to travel, infirmity, or prior booked official engagements."
The governor said he has no intention not to respond to queries raised including matters flagged by the Auditor General in the 2020-22 audit report.
“I have no reasons not to answer to respond to any questions raised on FY 20-22 audits,’’ he said.
Sakaja said he wondered why the committee was able to understand and report that he had rescheduled his previous planned appearance and yet they are now blaming him.
“It is the same members who announced that I was out of the country on Monday who are now up in arms that I am away. I have appeared severally and will continue to do so,’’ he added.