Uhuru, Ruto and Raila skip legislative conference

Senators and MCAs have criticised President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga for snubbing the Kisumu summit.

As the four-day legislative summit came to an end yesterday, senators and MCAs expressed anger, saying the Jubilee government does not appreciate their role in the implementation of its agenda.

President Uhuru, Ruto and Raila failed to turn up, and instead sent representatives.

Yesterday, State House spokesperson Kanze Dena confirmed that the president will not attend the event, without giving reasons why.

“He is not coming,” said Ms Dena.

Ruto was expected to officially close the Summit, but instead sent Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.

Raila is reported to have been hosting top regional leaders at Windsor Golf Hotel in his role as the Africa Union's High Representative for Infrastructure Development.

None of the cabinet secretaries apart from Mr Wamwala were present.

Summit organising committee chairman Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr (Makueni) and his Bungoma counterpart Moses Wetangula wondered why the Executive gave the meeting a wide berth.

“It is disappointing that the leadership of this country did not attend this very important meeting," said Mr Kilonzo.

"It shows a contempt of the Senate.”

Mr Wetangula was equally unimpressed: “During the devolution conference in Kirinyaga, everyone was there. From the President to his deputy and Raila among other top government officials. Why is our case different?’’ posed Wetangula.

A number of MCAs also registered their disappointment, saying the country's top leadership does not take their work seriously.