MCAs to sit in economic forum, says Ruto

Members of county assemblies will now be represented at a top economic forum chaired by Deputy President William Ruto in what the government says is a move to ensure accountability in the counties.

As the fight for the hearts of MCAs between Jubilee and Cord gathered momentum, Mr Ruto announced that the ward reps would not only have representation in the inter-governmental economic forum, where their governors also sit, but they would also be given offices.

MCAs have become a much sought after group as debate on whether the country should have a referendum rages.

Cord and some governors are pushing for a referendum on devolution among other matters but Jubilee says it is too early to start tampering with the Constitution.

The Deputy President praised the work of county assembly members, saying they deserved to be empowered in line with their request at their meeting last Saturday in Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi.

“Members of the County Assembly have been underestimated for a very long time. But I was very proud on Saturday when they said they wanted to be empowered so that they can execute their responsibility and representation and oversight at the counties,” Mr Ruto said yesterday in Kwale.

“And I want to tell you that you have the Jubilee Government as your partner.’’

The DP spoke at length on the need for accountability and integrity. He reiterated the government’s “unwavering” support for devolution.

He said the government would ensure that MCAs had appropriate capacity to hold county executives to account.

He was opening the first Kwale County government investment and tourism forum at Leisure Lodge Beach Resort in Diani.

In an apparent reference to some governors who have declined summons by the Senate over audit questions, Mr Ruto said accountability and integrity in leadership were critical both at the county and National Government level, in attracting investment and business opportunities.

“Any investor wants to know whether the leadership is accountable. We as the Jubilee administration are unapologetic, we are unmoved, and we are going to be firm to ensure that the citizens of Kenya get value for their taxes. We will hold the National Government to account and the county governments must also be held to account.

“We are as great and as powerful as the people of Kenya have made us. And when they call us to account, they are the bosses,’’ the DP said.

Monday, the High Court stopped Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, who also chairs the governor’s council, Kiambu’s William Kabogo as well as Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a) and Jack Ranguma of Kisumu, from appearing before the Senate.

The DP dismissed leaders agitating for the referendum as people who do not have the interests of the country at heart, insisting that the nation required a conducive environment for investment and economic growth.

“As we support devolution, we are reminded that we need as a country to put in place the kind of environment that will promote our nation so that we become an attractive destination for investors.’’

Mr Ruto said Jubilee’s position was that amendments to the Constitution be done as a last resort and not at the whims of individual personal interests.