Azimio leader Raila Odinga has vehemently opposed a proposed bill in Parliament that seeks to alter how revenue is allocated to county governments.
The Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, 2024, introduced by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, has sparked a standoff between the National Assembly and the Senate.
Raila voiced concerns during a press briefing, stating that the bill aims to reduce funds allocated to counties, a move he deems unconstitutional.
The law mandates that counties receive at least 15% of national revenue, amounting to Ksh.400 billion as stipulated in the Appropriations Act. However, the bill proposes reducing this to Ksh.380 billion.
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Initially, senators had recommended a Ksh.416 billion allocation, but negotiations compromised Ksh.400 billion. Raila argued that the MPs’ push for reduced funding undermines the Constitution and threatens the devolution system.
"The real issue here is a power grab disguised as legislative action, which could dismantle our governance framework," he remarked.
Raila further accused MPs of attempting to take over executive roles by seeking control over funds meant for development projects, such as the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.
"The Constitution assigns MPs three core functions: representation, legislation, and oversight. Implementation of programs is not their mandate and could lead to serious accountability issues," he emphasized.
The opposition leader warned that if the bill is passed, it would create animosity between the National Assembly and the Senate while endangering devolution.
"This move is not only unconstitutional but also sets a dangerous precedent that could strangle counties and erode the principles of devolved governance," Raila concluded.
