Youth leader and political analyst Alfred Makotsi has criticised Raila Odinga for dismissing the Senate’s role in overseeing county governments, saying the upper House is key to protecting devolution and ensuring governors account for public funds.

Makotsi, who describes himself as a long-time supporter of Raila, said he was disappointed by the former Prime Minister’s recent remarks, which downplayed the Senate’s oversight powers.

During an interview with Radio Generation on Friday, noted that while the Constitution assigns county assemblies the role of holding governors to account, the Senate’s mandate to oversee national revenue allocated to counties is equally critical.

He said some of the most effective accountability measures in the devolved system have come from the Senate.

“Some of the most progressive oversight has come from Senate. We’ve had governors being questioned, being impeached, objectively,” he said, pointing to the cases of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

According to Makotsi, Senate proceedings are generally guided by evidence and documentation rather than localised political interests often seen at the county assembly level.

“The good thing about Senate is it is mature. When it comes to Senate, it’s above board. You have to provide proper evidence and documentation when questions are asked,” he said.

Makotsi, who previously worked with former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, said the upper House is well positioned to safeguard devolution through oversight, representation and legislation of county matters.

He explained that Senate debates and votes often centre on the division of revenue, county resource distribution and protection of county interests.

The Political analyst warned that transferring Senate responsibilities to the National Assembly would weaken accountability and urged MPs to strengthen their own role instead.

On Thursday, Raila reiterated his commitment to stronger devolution, saying both the national and county governments should operate effectively without one dominating the other.

He said the primary responsibility for holding governors to account lies with county assemblies.

“I believe in devolution; I believe in more, not less devolution. I believe in a balance of power between Nairobi and the counties; neither should stand in the way of the other. I believe in strong county executives oversighted by equally strong county assemblies,” Raila said.

“County governments are supposed to be oversighted by county assemblies, not the Senate. It is unnecessary for the Senate to be summoning Governors to appear before Senators in Nairobi.”

Raila’s position comes amid ongoing debate about the division of oversight roles in the devolved system.

The Constitution allows county assemblies to receive and approve plans for managing county resources, while the Senate is mandated to oversee national revenue allocated to counties.

Parliament, which comprises both the Senate and the National Assembly, is also tasked under Article 94(4) with protecting the Constitution and promoting democratic governance, a responsibility that includes oversight over the conduct of certain state officers