MCAs refuse task force on Sh500m

An erroneous allocation of money from the county to Bungoma County has caused friction between the two assemblies.

Some Sh500 million is understood to have been, by fault, given to the Bunguma government, something that has caused an impasse between the MCAs of the two governments.

In an effort to solve the conflict, Majority Leader Josephat Wandera yesterday moved a motion that sought approval of the members to form a task force with their counterparts from Bungoma, which would work towards resolving the thorny issue.

However, the MCAs opposed the move, terming it a waste of time and resources and argued that such a move would not help since the matter was with the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA).

In his contribution during a special assembly sitting, Ang’urai North Ward Representative Maurice Chetambe said their senator, Amos Wako, and CRA were the ones to be dealt with.

“The senator and CRA have remained silent over this matter for a long time now. It is high time we make them aware of what is happening. There is no need of a task force because it won’t help at all,” said Mr Chetambe.

Nangina MCA John Obwogo also opposed the idea, and instead advocated for the formation of a committee that would engage the Senate directly. He castigated Senator Wako of what he termed as 'failing in his responsibilities as an advocate of devolution'.

“Since the senator has failed in his responsibilities, we need to form a committee that would engage the Senate directly because he seems not aware of the issue. It will be a waste of taxpayers’ funds to form a committee that won’t help,” he argued.

Other MCAs were of a different opinion as they proposed holding major peaceful demonstrations across the county to compel CRA to act on the issue.