Governors’ signature drive kicks off in Bomet

From left: Governors Prof Paul Chepkwony, (Kericho) Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Isaac Ruto (Bomet), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) and James Ongwae (Kisii) during the launch of the Pesa Mashinani signature collection drive in Bomet on September 20, 2014. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE |

What you need to know:

  • The confident governors declared that their Pesa Mashinani drive to have more funds allocated to counties was unstoppable.
  • Mr Ruto criticised the national government for allocating billions to ministries and departments that are undertaking roles similar to those of counties.

The Pesa Mashinani referendum push has gathered momentum after Governors launched their signature drive on Saturday.

The drive, which is expected to collect a minimum one million signatures, was launched in Bomet County by six governors.

The confident governors declared that their Pesa Mashinani drive to have more funds allocated to counties was unstoppable.

The leaders said they will carry on with the campaign, despite threats and intimidation from the country’s top leadership, until more resources are given to the counties to guarantee their development.

Speaking during the launch, the governors — Isaac Ruto (Bomet), David ole Nkedianye (Kajiado), James Ongwae (Kisii), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Paul Chepkwuony (Kericho) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) said they were in the campaign for the long haul.

Also present at the meeting was Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter.

“We have started a journey which we are sure will address the problems facing all Kenyans,” said Mr Ruto, chair of the Council of Governors.

“This is a contest between some selfish leaders and Kenyans… We are not asking for anyone’s help. All we want is for resources to be shared equitably,” he said.

BILLIONS TO MINISTRIES

On Saturday, Mr Ruto criticised the national government for allocating billions to ministries and departments that are undertaking roles similar to those of counties.

“For example, the Ministry of Health was allocated funds even to deworm children. Health is already a devolved function. The Ministry of Water has also allocated Sh24 billion for building water pans in counties, work that many counties are already doing,” he said.

He said their campaign will be issue based and should not be politicised.

Mr Ongwae said: “You elected us to bring development to the people. This will only be possible when more money is brought to us. That is why we are saying Pesa Mashinani”.

Mr Oparanya said they have held several meetings with President Kenyatta asking him to intervene on the issue but all they received are empty promises.

“We have waited for these promises to come to fruition in vain. It is now time to act, but we are saying we shall continue engaging them in talks,” he said.

Mr Ole Nkedienye said referendum should not be misconstrued as a bad thing.

“These are just questions that are thrown back to wananchi for them to give their verdict. They can either say Yes or No,” he said.

HAD PROBLEMS

Mr Ranguma said the implementation of the Constitution is paramount, and should be funded properly.

Prof Chepkwony, the Kericho governor noted many people voted ‘No’ for the 2010 Constitution because it had problems.

“Now is the time to make the corrections. The issues we want addressed are just the bare minimum. This is the only way to protect the Constitution and ensure it works smoothly,” he said.

Mr Keter, the Nandi Hills MP said their support for the referendum should not mean they were undermining the Jubilee government and their party.

“We shall not leave URP…we are the owners. We have a constitutional right to have a stand on this referendum issue,” he said.

But in Kericho, Deputy Leader of Majority in the Senate Charles Keter, told the “owners of the referendum” that the Jubilee government will do everything it can to halt the process of organising a plebiscite or delay it for as long as possible.

He told those collecting signatures they will have to wait for at least one year before Parliament can avail any funds to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to allow for the verification of the signatures.

The Kericho senator insinuated that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was the brains behind the Pesa Mashinani campaign.

Additional reporting by Timothy Kemei