Kidero explains why he skipped governors Forum

By Roselyn Obala

NAIROBI, KENYA: Nairobi governor has played down accusation leveled against him over commitment to devolution matters.

This comes as he skipped Friday’s governors Forum held in his county Nairobi that brought together all county executives in the country. He said the fact that he is not visible in many council functions does not mean he is not interested in confronting the challenges affecting devolution.

"My leadership style is not combative and confrontational. My style is different but I play an important role in ensuring devolution works," he said.

He continued, "I don't play hard ball but I believe in dialogue and consultations to seek truce even in the most difficult circumstances."

On Friday during the annual County governments’ Forum which brought together County bosses, Deputy governors, Speakers of the County Assemblies and Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs), Nairobi county’ representation was notably absent.

Dr Kidero and his MCAs skipped the event as they were headed to Nyanza to conduct various fund drives in the region.

Kidero who is the Council of Governors (COG) vice chairman has been accused of being non-committal to the council affairs, snubbing most of its meetings.

Taking into account that the Friday’s event was held in his backyard, he only sent apologies that he was busy undertaking other businesses.

Kidero sought to clarify that he skipped the Friday Forum because he had planned the event for over a year and could not rescheduled it on short notice.

The governor was instead represented at the event by his Deputy Jonathan Mueke.

Kidero has credited himself for playing a role in ensuring some of the legislation in Parliament aimed at undermining devolution does not pull through.

“Sometimes it is good to be tactful in addressing some issues,” he said, adding that some of his colleagues are politicians but him he is not.

Governors have expressed concerns over their colleague’s conduct, as he continues to skip their functions except for those convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.

"We are fed up.  I think as governors we are committed in ensuring devolution works," stated a governor from Central who sought anonymity.

He continued, "Kidero has chosen to operate as a lone ranger. Already he is bleeding his people dry with taxes instead of being active in engaging other governors to demand for more funds to the counties."

What has irked the Governors most is that, despite others rescheduling their county events to attend the Bomas of Kenya meeting, Kidero avoided it.

"We are in a transition period, we need each other not only to put pressure on the National government to facilitate counties but also to learn from each other," he said.