Assemblies ask to debate President Uhuru Kenyatta's speech

Kenya: The leadership of county assemblies wants the President's speech directing top officials implicated in corruption to step aside, also debated by regional parliaments.

Normally, the speech by the Head of State during the State of the Nation address is debated by the National Assembly and the Senate.

But the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) is of the opinion that the war on graft can only be won if all those mentioned step aside to allow for investigations and want the assemblies to also be involved in debating the President's report on corruption.

The executive committee leadership led by its chair, Dr Abdi Nuh, said they had written to the Senate leadership and asked that once the report has been tabled, it should also be sent to the assemblies.

"We would like to help in the fight against corruption. Governors should follow suit and if they don't we shall debate and if we deem it fit, shall take decisive action, including impeachment," said Nuh.

The report will remain secret until tomorrow when it will be tabled before the houses.

CAF on Sunday said it's good practice for all those adversely mentioned to vacate office to pave way for investigations.

"We are very disappointed with the governors for resisting to step aside. We also ask governors to suspend or ask their CECs (County Executive Committee Members) to step aside if they are involved in corruption," said Kiambu Deputy Speaker Anthony Macharia.