Let’s fight to protect devolution, governors say

Governors have called on Kenyans to be in the forefront in protecting devolution so it can succeed.

Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya (Meru), Finance Committee chairman Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) and whip Ukur Yatani (Marsabit) said devolution has been under attack from some quarters since its inception, with some of their colleagues unfairly facing impeachment.

"For instance, Embu Governor Martin Wambora faced impeachment just a month after being elected and has never rested," Mr Oparanya said.

Speaking during a harambee in aid of Kathiku AIPCA church in Meru County, the leaders, accompanied by MPs Chachu Ganya (North Horr), Gideon Mwiti (Imenti Central) and Boniface Gatobu (Buuri) said the war against devolution was still on and that Kenyans should rise up and counter it.

The governors praised devolution, saying it had taken resources to the grassroots, created jobs and ensured huge development.

Mr Yatani said former marginalised counties like Marsabit had registered notable transformation, thanks to devolution.

"In the past, Marsabit residents did not regard themselves as being in Kenya and only said they were in Kenya when they reached Isiolo," Mr Yatani said.

He added: "Devolution has given us a chance to celebrate."

PUSH FOR MORE MONEY

Mr Oparanya said Kenyans should push for more money to go to the grassroots to end poverty as most people lived in rural areas.

He said Kenyans need clean water, food, security and better infrastructure.

The Kakamega governor attributed most problems facing the country to poor leadership, tribalism and graft.

"Some leaders you elect are corrupt," he said.

Mr Munya said the pioneer governors have faced major challenges as the system is new and their work is hard.

"Pioneers are usually faced with difficulties. It is like clearing a forest to build a house," Mr Munya said.

He said his administration had initiated road construction, building of early childhood development education classrooms and water projects.

He said his government is building 35 kilometres of roads in all the 45 wards.

Some Sh67 million had been injected to saccos and more is to be given this year, he said.

Mr Munya dismissed those opposing his quest for the presidency in 2022, saying they should not cut his dream.

Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi arrived for the harambee as Munya's team was about to leave.

He later trashed Mr Munya's development record and asked residents to vote him out.

He said he is firmly in the race to be the next Meru governor.