Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma is now accusing senators of undermining devolution.
Ranguma, while addressing the Members of the County Assembly during its opening after a long recess said it was surprising that senators have turned out to be enemies of county governments.
He stated that the devolved system of governance has unlocked great potential and presented a lifetime opportunity to the people of Kenya, including Kisumu County but stressed that it was being fought against.
“Devolution is being fought by many including the national government, the National Assembly, and surprisingly, the Senate whose single responsibility is to protect it. In different ways, honourable members, we have also become enemies of devolution,” Said Ranguma.
He stated that there is no doubt that over the last two years, the county government has made notable strides aimed at propelling Kisumu to the highest level of development given the minimal resources.
“The naysayers are hell bent on frustrating equitable sharing of our country’s resources and continue to misinform the public that so much wastage is going on in counties, and that devolution is not working and should be abolished,” said Ranguma.
He stated that despite numerous appeals, the national government continues to delay disbursement of funds to counties, thereby slackening development activities.
Though facing a myriad challenges, Ranguma said devolution represents a major transformation of the state and undoubtedly, the society.