DP William Ruto calls for end to hostilities between county, national leaders

Council of Governors Peter Munya (R) chat with Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri (L) and Water CS Eugene Wamalwa (C) during the 3rd Annual Devolution Conference at Meru National Polytechnic on Friday. PHITO.BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD

MERU: The frequent confrontations between the national and county governments are an unhealthy distraction to service delivery and frustrate operations between the two levels of government, said Deputy President William Ruto.

The DP decried the numerous conflicts between the two levels of governments over over functions, mandates and resources even though the law was clear on how these units should relate.

“We have witnessed these contestations between the national  and county governments; between the Senate and National Assembly; between county executives and county assemblies; between county governments and Senate; and even between the various independent bodies with a mandate in devolution,” he said.

In a speech read on his behalf by Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa at the Third Annual Devolution Conference in Meru yesterday, the DP called for a new approach to resolving disputes between the various stakeholders, saying the conflicts had given the perception of instability.

“Confrontation has no place in the relationship between the national and county levels of government. It is an unwelcome distraction,” he said.

He reiterated a refrain adopted by national government representatives at the conference that the Constitution recognised “one indivisible nation” and that Kenya’s system did not envisage complete autonomy but interdependence between the two levels of government.

However, the DP also criticised county government leaders for corruption and poor leadership.

“There are county governments and leaders who are a great disservice to the idea of devolution and trampling on the hopes of the people,” he said. “There are manifestations of corruption and incompetence and we need to admit that these issues exist.”

Ruto said county government must aspire to deliver.