Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango/COURTESYKirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango has explained why he introduced a Bill in the Senate seeking to bar governors from vying for senatorial positions for five years after completing their terms.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Senate Bill No. 7 of 2026), which is at the Second Reading stage, was introduced by Murango on March 26, 2026.
In an interview with a local radio station on Tuesday, Murango said some governors facing audit queries seek senatorial positions to avoid answering questions about how they spent public funds while in office.
“The reason why I took this Bill to the Senate is that, after the General Election in August, audit reports on how governors spent county funds in that particular financial year are usually not ready. When they come out, it means they would meet the governors at the Senate, now as senators,” said Murango.
Murango alleged that some governors misuse public funds towards the end of their terms before seeking senatorial positions, which he claimed could shield them from answering audit queries.
“What governors are doing is that they are looting public funds at the end of their tenures and then come to Senate to shield themselves from facing justice,” he said.
He acknowledged that the Bill has faced significant opposition but said he remained determined to push it through the legislative process.
The Senator also explained why he does not support Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i becoming the Opposition’s presidential flagbearer in the 2027 General Election.
Murango, a key ally of former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, said he had concerns about Matiang’i’s accessibility and his approach to calls for unity among Opposition leaders.
He recalled an incident during an Opposition meeting in Keroka, Kisii County, when, according to him, Matiang’i’s handlers prevented him from reaching the Jubilee leader.
“From that incident, I would not vote for him,” he said.
Murango also said he believed Matiang’i would need to actively seek support rather than expect to be handed the Opposition presidential ticket.
His remarks came days after former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged Opposition leaders to remain united and present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru made the remarks during the burial of Peoples’ Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua’s father, Isaac Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, on Saturday, October 3.
“My only wish is for Kenya to move forward as a united nation. I have no other agenda. You, the people of Kenya, will decide who should lead you,” said Uhuru.
To emphasise his unity message, Uhuru called Maina and asked her to repeat her earlier call for unity among Opposition principals.
“For those vying for the Presidency, from Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Edwin Sifuna, Fred Matiang’i and others in the United Opposition, I am telling you if it will take you entering a room for a face-off, and even if it means you fighting each other in that room, that is okay,” she said.
Murango, who is eyeing the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat on a DCP ticket, is among Gachagua’s key allies, alongside Senators John Methu (Nyandarua), Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu) and John Kinyua (Laikipia), among others.
He also referred to an August 14 incident in Nakuru involving Gachagua’s convoy, saying Matiang’i did not publicly comment on the matter.
He said this was despite calls by Maina for Matiang’i to comment on the incident and concerns raised by the DCP side regarding the involvement of some Jubilee-aligned leaders.
