Why the conflict between senators and governors is good for you

In a system where one institution is tasked with the duty of providing checks and balances, constant noise emanating from within such a system is highly welcome. It is nothing to frown upon.

Mombasa senator, Hassan Omar, has been on the governor’s case from day one. He has never missed an opportunity to hit out at Ali Hassan Joho. While it may be dismissed as political witch-hunting, the value of such public attacks on the county’s boss is monumental.

A system that is always at peace with its various institutions should raise eyebrows. An extraordinary silence in such a system should concern those who fund it- the taxpayers.

The latest accusation on Joho by the senator, however, should reassure the public that their system is operational.

The allegation that Joho’s administration is hatching a plot to defraud the county’s residents is a step in the right direction.  It draws the public’s attention to the operations their devolved government is engaging in. It enlightens the taxpayers on how their money is being utilized on development projects. Such an act of whistle-blowing attracts the attention of other stakeholders concerned in order to probe, establish and even correct any under-hand dealings.

It is especially important that this happens, even though the two politicians share the same political umbrella. It points to the fact that the public have a right to better service delivery, and that public servants owe the taxpayer accountability and responsible leadership.