The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has today imposed a fine of Kshs 500,000 on Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan for ignoring summons to appear to address allegations of recruitment irregularities within his county government. The Committee has also directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest the Governor, in accordance with Section 19(3) of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, to enforce his appearance before the committee to provide the information requested by the Senate.

Sen Alexander Mundigi (Embu) made the proposal, which was seconded by Sen Gloria Orwoba (Nominated). Both Senators expressed frustration over Governor Hassan’s continued defiance of the Senate’s oversight.

"If the Senate itself cannot get the attention of a Governor, then how can the people of Isiolo hope to hold him accountable? I strongly support Sen Mundigi's proposal to not only compel his appearance before this Committee but to ensure that he answers to the people as well," said Sen Orwoba.

In her remarks, Sen Orwoba further called for more stringent measures against the Governor, pointing to the inaction of the Isiolo Members of County Assembly (MCAs). 

“This Governor’s outright refusal to appear before any Senate Committee is not just an insult to this institution, but a blatant offence. The Isiolo MCAs need to act on this and impeachment should be on the table,” she added.

The Committee, chaired by Sen Julius Murgor (West Pokot), voiced its concerns over Governor Hassan’s pattern of non-compliance. Sen Mohamed Faki (Mombasa) highlighted a previous instance in which the Governor disregarded a similar invitation from the Senate Finance Committee. 

"This Governor has developed a notorious reputation for avoiding Senate sessions. We experienced the same issue when he was summoned by the Finance Committee, and once again, he failed to appear," stated Sen Faki.

At the centre of the Labour Committee's inquiry are allegations of irregular recruitment practices within Isiolo County. Sen Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), in a Statement directed to the Committee, had earlier requested documents detailing human resource policies, payroll records, and the county’s staff list. The investigation follows an Auditor General’s report for the 2022/23 financial year, which flagged serious financial mismanagement within the county. The report noted a failure to remit Kshs 17.9 million in statutory deductions, the retention of staff beyond the mandatory retirement age and the payment of salaries to employees outside the Integrated Personnel Payroll Database (IPPD).