Leaders oppose plan to have governors appointed

A proposal to have governors and senators appointed by the President has been rejected.

Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege is of the idea that the two should not be elected directly by the people but appointed to enhance accountability.

However, a section of Senators and MCAs say the proposal is ill-advised.

Senate deputy Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu) and Uasin Gishu County Assembly Majority Leader Josephat Lowoi have instead proposed the strengthening of the Senate and county assemblies to improve oversight on governors and check corruption.

Mr Murkomen, who is also the Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator, said the proposal is an attack on constitutional provision of separation of powers.

He said while many counties have been accused of corruption, the solution lies in empowering county assemblies and the citizens so they can play their watchdog roles more effectively.

“Devolution is all about separation of powers. At the moment, what we should be talking about is the full implementation of the Constitution, not amendments,” he said.

A number of governors have been on the receiving end following reports of misuse of public funds and increased corruption in their regions, according to reports by the Controller of Budget and the Auditor-General.

On Monday, Ms Chege said having governors appointed by the President will make them more accountable as they will be answerable to the appointing authority.

“Governors have been behaving like small gods and engage in misappropriation of public resources at will, at the expense of development,” she said.

She added: “Meanwhile, only professionals should be appointed to the Senate so they can give sound advice to the government.”

In 2014, Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi made a similar proposal when he argued governors are more into politics than development.

Currently, governors and senators are elected directly during a General Election.

Prof Nyong’o said lack of accountability in counties is due to weak assemblies.

“The problem is that county assemblies which are supposed to make governors accountable are too weak,” Prof Nyong’o said.

Mr Lowoi said appointing governors and senators will deny people their democratic right to elect leaders of their choice. “This will also give in to biases in the appointment of governors and senators.”