Senator defends William Ruto over county remarks

By ROSELYNE OBALA

Marsabit: The Government will stick to the Constitution in addressing security concerns in Marsabit County, a senator has stated.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki further defended Deputy President William Ruto over his statement that the Government could consider suspending Marsabit County over insecurity.

He argued that though security falls under the scope of the national government, county governments have a responsibility to champion the process.

“The governor chairs the County Policing Security Authority. This is a collective responsibility and not solely for the national government,” said Prof Kindiki.

He reiterated that the DP was within the law in hinting at the possibility of the national government suspending Marsabit County if the insecurity situation escalates.

He argued that the DP’s statement was taken out of context and stressed that there are proper procedures to be followed in instituting such a process.

“The President is authorised under Article 192 to suspend a county government for various reasons, which include internal conflicts subject to meeting the conditions set out in law,” he explained.

Kindiki explained that before even considering a disbandment of a county government, the Government must form a commission of inquiry to probe and establish the nature of the problem and if it meets the threshold, to recommend a dissolution.

“The President must then concur with the findings before the matter is forwarded to the Senate,” he said, adding: “The Senate will exercise its oversight role and authorise the suspension.”

He emphasised that even with the suspension, the Senate would continue with its supervisory role and terminate the suspension at any time they deem fit.