Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio alliance, has leveled accusations against President William Ruto, alleging interference in the operations of county governments.
Speaking at Magena Market in Kisii County on Sunday, Raila claimed that the President had been undermining devolution by initiating county projects and issuing directives to governors.
Odinga specifically pointed to the Affordable Housing Programme, asserting that it falls within the purview of devolved functions. He insisted that the program should be led by county governments rather than the national government.
“Affordable housing is a devolved function. Provide Simba Arati, the Kisii governor, with the necessary funds and allow him to construct the houses. Markets, too, are the responsibility of counties. He (Ruto) cannot come here and promise to build a market, only to hand it over to the county. Provide Arati with the resources to build the market,” Odinga declared.
Furthermore, Raila highlighted the subsidised fertilizer program, emphasizing that agriculture is also a devolved matter. He urged the allocation of funds to counties for the purchase and distribution of fertilizers.
The Azimio leader criticized the President for inaugurating projects that were initially the responsibility of county governments. “We have witnessed him opening county hospitals and outlining plans for rural road tarmacking,” he stated.
Odinga asserted that the President should refrain from enticing governors with projects that fall under the jurisdiction of counties.
He added that feeder roads within devolved units should be constructed by counties themselves, rather than relying on agencies such as the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) or Kenya Rural Roads Authority.
“The funds allocated to KURA should be directed to counties, allowing them to undertake road construction,” Raila Odinga stressed.
Accompanying Raila during his visit to Kisii were prominent political figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, as well as governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Ochilo Ayako (Migori), and Simba Arati.
