Don’t touch counties in referendum – Garissa governor

Garissa Governor Ali Korane (3rd right) and other leaders during Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2018. Mr Korane said leaders from north-eastern Kenya will not support the proposed a referendum if it aims at scraping some counties, saying devolution has been a relief to the region. PHOTO | ABDIMALIK HAJIR | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Korane said local leaders must be involved in decision making by those fronting referendum campaigns.
  • Calls for a referendum have been gaining momentum with some leaders focusing on reducing the number of counties.
  • Mr Chepchieng warned those instigating violence along the border of Garissa and Isiolo will face the full wrath of the law.

Garissa Governor Ali Korane has said leaders from north-eastern Kenya will not support the proposed constitutional amendments through a referendum if they are aimed at scraping some counties, saying devolution has been a relief to the region.

Addressing residents Saturday during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Garissa Primary School playground, Mr Korane said local leaders must be involved in decision making by those fronting referendum campaigns.

The governor said the Constitution gives the much-needed relief for people in the region, whom he said have not benefited from the fruits of Kenya's independence since 1963.

GAINS OF DEVOLUTION

"The 2010 Constitution brought us the devolved units which have brought a lot that we couldn't gain since Kenya got its independence. We don't want any referendum that will interfere with the counties," said Mr Korane.

"We won't accept [ideas] that have been decided by a few people which have impact on our people. We must be at the centre of all that will be in the referendum," he added.

The calls for a referendum have been gaining momentum with some leaders focusing on reducing the number of counties and elected leaders in a bid to ease the financial burden on the taxpayers.

Other leaders who attended the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Garissa included Fafi MP Abdikarim Osman, Woman Rep Anab Gure and senior officials of the county and national governments.

WARNING

Garissa County commissioner Joshua Chepchieng warned those instigating violence along the border of Garissa and Isiolo will face the full wrath of the law.

He at the same time asked locals to be law adding and amicably look for solutions for any issues that arise.

"Peace is cultivated by the people. The work of police is to restore order. Local elders from both sides should spearhead peace-building initiatives in both counties," he said.

The county commissioner's remarks come just a week after an elderly man was killed while herding goats in Barquqe, Lagdera Sub-County.