MPs’ interference with or support for devolution will be a key factor in determining whether they are re-elected in 2027, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has said.
MPs are the biggest impediment to devolved funds reaching the counties, he added.
Mr Odinga asked MPs to stick to their mandate and deliver on their duties or face the wrath of the people in the next General Election.
The veteran politician expressed his displeasure with the numerous demands by MPs to retain in the national government many functions that ought to be devolved to counties.
The Orange party boss also noted that should the lawmakers fail to adhere to that then the matter will form a major agenda in 2027 when they seek re-election.
“We must tell these MPs off. If they ignore what we are telling them then they should know that elections are around the corner. I will continue saying this strongly and if they ignore it, it will be part of the election agenda in 2027,” said Mr Odinga.
Speaking in Gem Wagai at the burial of former Kisumu Town West MP Ken Nyagudi, he said the lawmakers should allow the governors to work by passing the budget on time and allocating adequate resources.
“Devolution is not working because there is a tug-of-war between the national government and the county governments,” said Mr Odinga.
The former premier also took a swipe at the lawmakers, saying the watchdog role will be compromised if they engaged in construction of roads and building of schools.
“The current Constitution gives the Parliament powers to draw the budget. Now with these powers they also want to do the work that the county government should be doing, that is the reason some funds are hoarded up there,” said Mr Odinga.
The move that seems unpopular with the lawmakers is likely to rattle them further and could trigger a further pushback in the fight for the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The opposition chief further pointed out that the NG-CDF remains unconstitutional and that parliament should allow resources to reach the counties.
“MPs also want to do the work of the county governments. CDF and Fuel levy funds are held up there because the MPs want to build roads and schools. They have their constitutional mandates of representation, oversight and legislation. How will they oversee when they are the contractors?” said the Orange party boss.
Mr Odinga has previously criticised the push by MPs to seize control of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund, arguing that such moves undermine the constitutional mandate of county governments. He has also often accused MPs of undermining devolution by reducing allocations to counties as proposed by the Senate.
He challenged them to ensure that they allocate at least Sh500 billion to counties as promised in the 10-point deal between ODM and President William Ruto’s Unite Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“We have heard from time to time the lawmakers complaining that the governors are not working, how will they work when the funds are not there? The governors must be empowered to deliver to the people,” he said.
Mr Odinga downplayed claims that governors are misappropriating funds telling them to allow the law to take course on matters of corruption.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi reiterated that the decision to join the Kenya Kwanza government was timely and beneficial to the common people.
“I want us to understand that there is a time for everything. I have been to many parts of this country during this period. I have been in charge of energy. Mr Odinga has never led us astray, this is the best decision that is appropriate for the time,” said Mr Wandayi.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga told off ODM’s former allies in the Azimio coalition over constant attacks.
“I want to tell our partners in Azimio to stop the constant attacks against us. As the Orange party we have decided to take this direction which we think is the best for our party, they should not lecture us constantly about this because they also have the freedom of following what they think is good for them,” said the Senator as he backed the so-called broad-based government between the ruling UDA and ODM
“As the Deputy Party Leader, I urge leaders to uphold the party’s policies. Let us not witness unnecessary fights during grassroots elections. Integrity must remain our guiding principle,” he said.
