Cord leader Raila Odinga says powerful forces in Jubilee government fighting devolution

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is received by Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok (left) and entertianers at the Lodwar airstrip. The CORD leader is in the county to grace the Tobong'u Lore Cultural Festival 27-08-2016. PHOTOS BY: KEVIN TUNOI

Cord leader Raila Odinga has hit out at Jubilee administration saying the spirit of devolution has not been achieved because of powerful forces within government that are against its implementation.

The former Prime Minister said that Kenyans have not fully enjoyed fruits of the devolved system of governance as enshrined in the constitution that has marked six years since its promulgation.

"We pressed for the constitution that is now six years old but there are many enemies in powerful positions in government who are against its full implementation. They have only thrived in giving Kenyans pledges that are not being honoured," said Raila.

"All regions of the country could attain development progress if the government had implemented devolution by disbursing 45 percent of national revenue to the counties to support devolved functions like health, agriculture, water among others," said Raila.

Raila who received an arousing welcome when he graced the close of a four day Turkana Cultural and Tourism festivals at Ekales center in Lodwar on Saturday said the only option is for Kenyans to vote out the Jubilee administration in next year's general elections.

"It is now dawning that Jubilee should be voted out from power. Corruption is rife in the government while some leaders fly using helicopters with bags of money for donations in harambees. These funds should instead be channeled to respective county governments to empower them in projects," said Raila.

The former premier who was accompanied by Turkana governor Josephat Nanok, John Lodepe (Turkana Central), Simba Arati (Dagoreti North), John Ndiege (Suna West), Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Aisha Jumwa (Kilifi women representative), Gladys Waga (Homa Bay), Rachael Ameso (Kakamega women representative), Joseph Samal Lomwa (Isiolo North) and several MCAs said marginalized regions could best benefit if the system was fully implemented.

"For 50 years since we attained independence, Turkana region suffered marginalization and cattle rustling due to competition for pasture and resources. Residents lived and only begged for support when hunger struck, poor road network and schools. We pressed for devolution as the only remedy to reverse this trend," said Raila.

He further pointed out that discoveries of Turkana Oil and the vast underground water revoir that can supply Kenya for 70 years cannot be exploited well to benefit residents as long as leaders who are opposed to devolution are in government.