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| Ruto (centre) joins Governor Ongwae (left), his deputy Maangi (right) for a jig at Riagongera Primary School on Sunday. [PHOTO: Kenan miruka/STANDARD] |
By KENAN MIRUKA
KENYA: Deputy President William Ruto and Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto clashed publicly yet again over the push for a constitutional referendum on devolution.
The two met at Riagongera Primary School in Bomachoge Chache constituency during the homecoming party for Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi where they sharply differed over the referendum issue.
The Deputy President who was flanked by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi maintained there was no need for a referendum because the Jubilee government had set aside 40 per cent for devolution in its manifesto and they are ready to fulfill the promise.
“Our stand is clear on this matter. Why should you buy an item worth one shilling at Sh1000? The referendum is a costly affair and governors should know that devolution is not about them but about moving resources to the grassroots. Devolved funds for roads and schools channeled through the constituency are meant for the grassroots so why would governors want to have control of this?” posed the deputy president.
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He maintained the constitution was clear on the implementation of devolution and accused those pushing for the referendum of plotting to alter the system of electing a president.
“The CDF is part of devolution and instead of demanding that such funds be reverted to counties, we should push for more resources to be channelled up to the ward level,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Bomet governor said the push for the referendum was meant to ensure funds reached the grassroots and that counties were empowered to carry out development projects including building schools.
“This referendum will be operation “Pesa Mashinani” and it is unstoppable. Those saying Kenyans are tired of voting are fooling themselves because this time we shall be voting for ourselves as Kenyans and not for leaders. I am still in Jubilee but my push is about issues and MPs should concentrate on their mandate and stop meddling with the referendum issue,” said Ruto.
Scientific method
Murkomen said he initially supported the referendum but beat a hasty retreat on realising it would be sabotaged by MPs. He proposed a scientific method of determining allocations to counties starting next year.
“I fully support devolution but there is a danger that MPs will use Article 203 of the constitution to share out the 40 per cent set aside for devolution between themselves, governors, senators and county reps. Let’s find an alternative settlement to this matter,” said Murkomen.
The deputy president who was touring Kisii for the first time since the March General Election was given a warm welcome by local leaders led by Governor James Ongwae and MPs Simon Ogari (Bomachoge Chache), Joel Onyancha (Bomachoge Borabu), Chris Bichage (Nyaribari Chache) and Mary Otara (Women Representative).
