[Kisii Governor James Ongwae in a past event. Sources indicate that he could reject the controversial Bill that recommends huge package for county officials. Photo/ Hivisasa.com]
Kisii County Governor James Ongwae has expressed his dissatisfaction with the recently retirement and pension bill passed by the Assembly.
Among other perks, the Bill proposes a Sh 18 m gratuity for the governor and his deputy, along with a Sh 5 m sendoff for each of the Assembly’s 71 MCAs.
The Governor, his Deputy and other MCAs will also get a four-wheel drive vehicle every four years, along with medical cover for their spouses and children below 21 years of age.
Furious reactions from residents have greeted the passing of the controversial Bill, with civil society group Rigena Human Rights Association threatening to go to court to have it declared unconstitutional.
"We cannot be planning to enrich retired leaders through such legislation when our people are languishing in poverty. How can we plan to comfortably retire leaders when our hospitals lack drugs and dilapidated roads are the common feature in the county?" group chair Mr Thomson Osoro wondered.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station, Governor Ongwae said he did not approve of the Bill, saying it did not fit in with his development agenda for the county.
He distanced himself from the controversial document’s drafters, saying he was not consulted at any stage of its preparation.
“We are yet to exhaustively discuss the contents of the Bill, especially the contentious provisions that have generated so much heat. I can however confirm that I was not party to the drafting of that Bill,” said the governor.
He said he was still dedicated to governing the region with sobriety and exercising good judgement in all financial matters.
“I am still sober and my mind is still made up on doing what is best for my people. When that Bill comes before me for assent, you can be sure I will do the right thing on behalf of our people,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Joash Maangi also distanced himself from the Bill, saying it was not in the people’s best interests.
“I was not aware of the Assembly’s plan to pass such a Bill. Some of its provisions are not in the best interest of our devolved unit,” said Mr Maangi.
Chitago Borabu Ward MCA Albert Oino who moved the motion however insisted that the Bill must be assented to, saying that it was designed to ensure a comfortable retirement for leaders.
“We need to look at the Bill’s bigger picture and stop being overly emotional about our leaders’ right to enjoy a life of dignity and comfort in retirement. Some of our former councillors are suffering and unable to afford even the most basic needs, including health care,” said Mr Oino.
He expressed confidence in the Bill being signed into law by the governor, saying the draft could return to the Assembly if the governor rejected it.
"In case the governor disagrees with some provisions in the bill, he can always send it back to the house for further debate and amendment. Ultimately, we must pass the Bill in some form because the welfare of our leaders in retirement is something we cannot afford to ignore," said Mr Oino.
Meanwhile, Governor Ongwae has denied claims by contractors that his administration owes them more than Sh 1 billion.
He said some of the contractors had politicized the issue of monies owed to them by the county government.
“We pay these contractors every month based on the allocations we receive from the national government. Currently, we don’t owe anyone any money and if anyone is owed money, then I have not been notified,” said Governor Ongwae.
He cited the case of a contractor who had supplied carpets to a county office, saying she was demanding excess payment for reasons best known to her.
“One of the contractors supplied an office that measures 100 square feet with a carpet for which she was paid the full sum of Sh 450,000 and yet she is demanding Sh 1.6 million. We cannot pay such a ridiculous amount of money for services not delivered,” said the governor.
He asked contractors with outstanding dents to clear the matter with the relevant officers, saying that holding press conferences would not solve the problem.
“Anyone with pending issues should seek for answers and clarification from the county offices instead of rushing to the press to make wild, unsubstantiated claims,” Governor Ongwae said.
He also cautioned the media against publishing stories without verification, saying it was creating a ripe ground for the proliferation of propaganda and misinformation.
“Our Fourth Estate needs to be extra vigilant when handling such stories so as not to fall victim to the political machinations and ambitions of some of these contractors,” said Governor Ongwae.