Go slow on devolution, leaders urged

Mt Kenya and Aberdares Ecosystem conservator Muchiri Mathinji explains to British High Commissioner Christian Turner how some fire equipment works as he toured a Kenya Forest Service exhibition at Kaburuini Showground where he graced the Scouts Founder's Day in Nyeri on February 22, 2014. Photo/ JOSEPH KANYI

What you need to know:

  • The High Commissioner said devolution around the globe takes time and all organs of devolved governments ought to work together to avoid supremacy wars and win over Kenyans’ confidence in the new system of government.

The British High Commissioner to Kenya Christian Turner Saturday urged Kenyan leaders in devolution to go slow on exercising their powers but rather cast their differences aside and bring about positive change to the country.

Addressing the press during the commemoration of the Girl Guides and Scouts’ Founderee/Founder’s day at Kabiru-ini show ground in Nyeri County, Dr Turner stated that the three arms of government should respect each other and forge ahead for Kenya to be better placed in matters development.

The High Commissioner said devolution around the globe takes time and all organs of devolved governments ought to work together to avoid supremacy wars and win over Kenyans’ confidence in the new system of government.

In 1997, he noted, Britain implemented devolution and 15 years on they are still dealing with questions about mistakes that may have been caused on referendum.

However, he said it is not in his place to give instructions to Kenyan leaders.

“I do not think it is right for ambassadors like me to be giving instructions to Kenyan leaders although devolution around the world, including Britain, takes time."

"We are still dealing with questions about mistakes that may have been caused by referendum. So my advice to Kenyan leaders if I am asked is ‘haraka haraka haina baraka,’” Dr Turner said.

Further, he said much time could be taken by the country’s public servants to develop capacity, but the British High Commission is confident the leaders will be accountable and deliver.

“I see many hardworking and strong public servants across the country as Governors, Senators, Parliamentarians, the executives and I am confident that they will run through but it will take some time.

We are very optimistic about Kenya,” he said.

Dr Turner refuted claims that ambassadors have been funding human rights activists to topple the government, stating that the names of whoever the British government funds are openly published on their website for clearness and transparency purposes.

The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) through its Chairman Francis Kimemia on February 12, had accused activists Timothy Njoya and Boniface Mwangi of getting funding from USAID to bring down the Jubilee government.

The two activists were leading demonstrators to Parliament when police violently dispatched them as they approached Freedom Corner after the protest was outlawed.

Speaking at the same event, the Former Minister for Justice Eugene Wamalwa urged Kenyan leaders to embrace the Scouting spirit to avoid tyrant positions like what the governors and senators have put themselves in.

County governments, Mr Wamalwa said, should pledge empowerment to promote scouts’ universal values of preaching peace and respect to humanity for development purposes.

“They should rather consult among each other to avoid such wrangles and deliver services to the people of Kenya.

Also, we need to see what the county government can do to empower the scouting movement for efforts of development in Kenya,” Mr Wamalwa said.

This comes after the Senate impeached Embu County Governor Martin Wambora setting ground for attack on Judiciary and the devolved governments.