A passionate Governor Okoth Obado pleaded with non state actors and private sector to consider investing in the counties due to underfunding from government.
Speaking at Hilton Hotel on Wednesday, Obado said money from the state alone and little collected from the locals cannot sustain demands.
"We all know counties are being underfunded by the national government. This is why he need other players to support devolution at the local level.
"I plead with you to consider giving grants or even investing at the county levels. Devolution has proved to be working despite the negatives attributed to it," he said.
Deputy President William Ruto was the guest of honour in the forum and had just left for few minutes before detectives pounced on Governor Obado, his close ally.
The Migori County boss, who is also facing murder charges over the death of his girlfriend Sharon Otieno, was arrested a day after eight firearms were recovered from his homes.
At a function in Nyamira on Saturday, Obado asked Kenyans to pray for him for fear of being hunted down by 'crocodiles'.
"I really need your prayers so that I can overcome this. The crocodiles are unhappy and could pounce on me," he said in reference to his party leader Raila Odinga.
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