Raila Odinga to address devolution forum in Meru as it closes
What you need to know:
- President Uhuru Kenyatta failed to attend the opening of the conference that has attracted more than 6,000 delegates.
- He was instead represented by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri.
- Some delegates, including Tharaka Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa said President Kenyatta could have been misled to skip the crucial event that takes stock of the three years of devolution and charts the way forward.
Cord leader Raila Odinga is expected to address the third national devolution conference in Meru as it officially closes today (Friday).
His spokesman, Mr Dennis Onyango, confirmed the former Prime Minister will be at the Meru National Polytechnic following an invitation by the Council of Governors (CoG).
According to the programme, the conference was to be officially closed by Deputy President William Ruto. However, sources said he will send Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa to represent him.
The programme says CoG vice-chairman Salim Mvurya was speak before inviting the Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri and Mr Odinga to address the conference.
Meru Governor Peter Munya was later to speak and invite the deputy president.
The opposition chief, who has been a strong defender of devolution and who together with retired President Mwai Kibaki are credited for the passage of the Constitution that paved way for the devolved system, is expected to gain political mileage from the event.
This is after President Uhuru Kenyatta failed to attend the opening of the conference that has attracted more than 6,000 delegates. He was instead represented by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Some delegates, including Tharaka Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa said President Kenyatta could have been misled to skip the crucial event that takes stock of the three years of devolution and charts the way forward.
Others linked his absence to tough political rivalry between CoG chairman Peter Munya and Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, who is also eyeing the gubernatorial seat.
Mr Munya, who is also the Meru governor, has been a thorn in the flesh of the Jubilee leadership following his opposition to folding up of the coalition affiliate parties to join the proposed Jubilee Party, through which President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto hope to seek re-election.
A majority of the senators and members of the National Assembly who have been in a tussle with governors also gave the conference a wide berth.
