PM Raila Odinga warns of plot to defeat devolution

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is welcomed by Cord Nairobi County ward representatives for a luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi April 3, 2013. He warned of a scheme to derail devolution of power to the grassroots. ANN KAMONI 

By ISAAC ONGIRI

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has warned of a scheme to derail devolution of power to the grassroots.

Mr Odinga said undermining the authority of governors was part of the plot and urged the officials to unite in defence of devolution.

He said Kenyans must be allowed to hold responsible those elected in the last polls to manage the counties.

"That is why I want to call on all governors and county assembly members, regardless of party to hold their ground, stand firm and demand to be given the full space and mandate to implement the devolution agenda of their voters," said Mr Odinga when addressing Cord Nairobi County Assembly members at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi Wednesday.

He asked the government to allow governors to take over offices currently occupied by Provincial Commissioners and County Commissioners saying that it was sad some civil servants were humiliating governors.

“As a coalition we stand strongly for the full and undiluted devolution of powers and resources to the counties,” said Mr Odinga.

He said that the constitutional provisions to restructure the provincial administration to fit into the new Constitution is being manipulated by power brokers in government to undermine the authority of the Kenyan voters.

He also urged senators to immediately initiate demands for the full funding for the devolved governments saying that most Kenyans' hopes are now dependent on devolution.