Raila alleges plot to undermine devolution

Raila alleges plot to undermine devolution

Outgoing Prime Minister Raila Odinga has  spoken against what he termed as attempts by the government to  interfere with  the new devolution system.

Raila was speaking during a meeting with Nairobi County Assembly members held today at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Nairobi.  

He alleged that some forces in government want county commissioners and other members of the provincial administration to act as legitimate authorities in the counties.

He said that the situation is inconsistent with provisions of the constitution. The outgoing PM stated that attempts to make governors either take orders from county commissioners or play subsidiary roles to   “agents of an outdated order” were unacceptable.

He  said that he had warned about this development immediately the office of the President embarked on appointing county commissioners adding the transitional clause is very clear that the provincial administration would be restructured to fit in the new constitution.

“Let us get this clear. It is the system known as the provincial administration which was to be restructured to fit in to the new constitution, not the other way round,” he said.

Raila said that Cord as a coalition stood strongly for the full and undiluted devolution of power and resources to the counties adding Kenyans must enjoy what they voted for in the new constitution promulgated on August 27, 2010.

The PM added that Kenyans must be allowed to look up to and hold responsible only people they elected in the last polls to take care of their counties.

“That is why I want to call on all governors and county assembly members, regardless of party to hold their ground, stand firm and demand to be given the full space and mandate to implement the devolution agenda of their voters,” he said,

He said that without the full implementation of the devolution agenda, the country will return to the old centralization which he blamed for inequities in the country.

Raila further stated that he did not need to be pitied after his election loss, saying the many messages of sympathy that he was receiving were misplaced and unnecessary stating that he was still committed to the ideals of democracy for which he will continue championing.

The PM also told county assembly members that they had a responsibility and duty to implement the promises CORD made during the campaigns as written in the coalition’s manifesto.

-THE STAR