Kenyans should support CORD’s Okoa Kenya plebiscite initiative regardless of their political affiliation and ethnic background, Kisii leaders have said.
Kisii County Governor James Ongwae said this on Friday during the grand finale of Miss Tourism Kisii County at Kisii University where he reiterated the need to devolve more resources to the counties for rapid growth.
“Let us bury our differences and support the referendum as a team. We ought to understand that counties cannot perform efficiently if the national government fails to increase money to the grassroots,” said Ongwae.
He added that most post-independence problems will still haunt the country if the devolved units are not given sufficient support.
His deputy Dr Joash Maangi appealed to the government to join the opposition and amend the constitution through a referendum for more resource allocation.
“I request my friends from government to desist from divisive politics and join CORD’s plebiscite quest for the good of our country,” said Dr Maangi.
Area Women Representative Mary Otara said resource allocations to counties should be increased for effective development. She added that rampant youth underemployment can be combated if more money is devolved to grassroots.
Earlier in the day, Governor Ongwae hosted CORD leader Raila Odinga at Bonchari Constituency where they launched signature collection for the ‘Okoa Kenya’ initiative.
Ongwae hinted at a possible merger between CORD’s Okoa Kenya and the Council of Governors referendum quest saying if the two sides have common objectives, they should work together.