Chief opposition leader Raila Odinga has warned President William Ruto's government against interfering with the functions of devolved regions.
Speaking in Mombasa after meeting with Governors elected under the coalition umbrella, Odinga emphasized the Constitution's emphasis on decentralization.
He chastised President William Ruto's administration for interfering in Governors' matters, such as the health sector and resource allocation, obstructing appropriate service delivery.
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“We believe that the 2010 Constitution provided a platform to which Kenyans can directly benefit from the national cake through devolution… Whereas County Governors are trying hard to discharge their duties as prescribed in the 2010 Constitution, the national government is on the other hand, trying much harder to pull down their legs and suppress them,” stated Odinga.
“The National Government should respect the Constitution and stop meddling in the affairs and functions of County Governments. They should desist the current interference in the mandate of devolved functions such as distribution of fertilizer, construction and opening of markets, health sector and commissioning of industrial parks.”
The opposition leader also chastised the existing regime for its unwillingness to transfer money to counties and its purported attempt to control county bosses by pleading with them to cooperate with the national government.
According to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, the government's requests to collaborate with opposition Governors for them to benefit from development are considered coercion because every county has the right to receive its allocation on time.
The former prime minister stated that the existing county allocation of 15% would be increased to a minimum of 35% to improve devolution.
He noted that the high cost of living, over-taxation, rising fuel prices, and unemployment are among counties' primary difficulties, hampering several projects in the devolved units.
