No surrender in push for referendum, governors say

Nairobi, Kenya: The Council of Governors (CoG) has affirmed its referendum push is still on course, even as it engages with the Government.

CoG chairman Isaac Ruto, vice chairman Salim Mvurya and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya dispelled reports that the council had decided to defer the Pesa Mashinani drive to 2016.

“Our position has not changed. We are proceeding with our popular initiative to amend the Constitution even as we continue engaging with the national government,” said Ruto.

He continued: “Our issues are real and we are not wavering on this matter. We are not searching for a referendum but seeking to amend the Constitution to ensure the issues affecting devolution are addressed.

Ruto revealed they have finalised drafting their referendum Bill, which has prioritised eight issues they want addressed, key among them being increasing the county allocation from 15 per cent to 45 per cent.

“Our Bill is ready. We are going ahead with collection of signatures and will soon present them to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for verification,” he stated.

The governors, who spoke at Delta House in Nairobi, outlined the planned signature collection drive in Nakuru, Kericho and Kisumu at the weekend.

Money withheld

The county bosses disclosed that during their meeting at Oleshapi in Naivasha, they resolved to pursue their popular initiative to get a clear methodology on sharing of national revenue between the two levels of governments.

“Our style and intervention has not changed. We will not abandon this agenda, taking into account that so far, not much is on offer from the national government,” noted Ruto.

Oparanya took issue with the national government, which he accused of with-holding Sh104 billion for devolved functions.

“The national government is still holding funds meant for counties and this is affecting service delivery especially in crucial sectors such as health, infrastructure and agriculture,” said Oparanya.

 He continued: “Money is not the only reason for the referendum, we want other issues resolved as well.”

The governors maintained they will not be pressurised to abandon the referendum push, stressing their cause is not political but for the interest of all Kenyans.

Speaking to The Standard on phone, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohammed (Wajir) said negotiations with the national government are ongoing.