[(From far Right) President Uhuru Kenyatta, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, former president Mwai Kibaki, Nyeri’s new governor Samuel Wamaathai, Peter Munya (Meru governor), Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri, Opposition leader Raila Odinga and Dr Alfred Mutua (Machakos governor), during the burial of Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagua, March 6, 2017, in Hiriga. Photo/PSCU]
After years of disagreements and political rivalry, president Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, finally agreed on one thing.
Raila faulted Members of County Assembly (MCAs) countrywide for halting operations in County governments, if governors fail to agree with them, on whatever they want.
He cited an incident that happened in Nyeri and Makueni Counties, when MCAs almost ousted the late governor Nderitu Gachagua and Prof Kivutha Kibwana over alleged incompetence, corruption and gross misconduct.
Gachagua had allegedly failed to sign a bill that would see them benefit from billions of shillings.
Raila criticised the County lawmakers, saying such issues derailed devolution implementation.
He warned that too much money was being lost in such ways, if governors do not stand firm to rebuke such 'hungry' MCAs.
"It is sad for MCAs to threaten to impeach a governor just because he declined to sign a bill that will see them benefit from money that should benefit the poor Kenyan. Too much money is being lost in the Counties because of this,'' Raila said during the burial ceremony of Gachagua.
"For this, I want to commend the late Gachagua and Makueni governor (Prof Kivutha Kibwana) for standing firm with his people. This is the way to go, for devolution to thrive,'' he added.
His sentiments were echoed by the president, who said he was happy that he for once agreed with Raila, on something.
"Today is a good day that I have to agree with my brother Raila, after a long period of time. It doesn't make sense for MCAs to impeach a governor for selfish gains. Devolution has to benefit the people. I strongly conquer with my brother,'' Uhuru said, Monday.
Various leaders, from both the Opposition and the government attended the ceremony in Hiriga, Mathira Constituency, including governors Dr Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Ali Hassan Joho (Mombasa), William Kabogo (Kiambu), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Peter Munya (Meru) area new governor Samuel Wamaathai, among others.
The First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy president William Ruto, former president Mwai Kibaki, Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri, were also present.