Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi has called for a quick resolution on the Division of Revenue Bill impasse that has threatened to paralyze operations in the county governments.
Mudavadi said a protracted stalemate on the allocation of funds for the counties would lead to a complete shutdown of the devolved units and called for mediation to avert a crisis.
“I urge the national government to release funds to counties to stop the looming cash crisis,” said the ANC leader.
Speaking on Friday when he toured Makueni County, Mudavadi also called for more allocation of resources to the counties to spur development.
‘‘Devolution has brought hope to many Kenyans since its inception in 2013 and as ANC we are championing for enhanced funds for the counties. Our clarion call is to add more funds to the counties, not to deduct,’’ he said.
He poked holes at the Punguza Mzigo initiative saying Kenyan’s main problem lies in the imprudent use of resources and not over-representation.
“We should be committed to fighting corruption and using our resources wisely, reducing on peoples’ representation especially on women positions will not help,” added the ANC leader.
He was accompanied by MPs Ayub Savula (Lugari), Tindi Mwale (Butere), John Sakwa (Nambale) and ANC chairperson Kelvin Lunani.
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana speaking during the tour termed the revenue stalemate as a very dangerous path akin to killing devolution.
“Devolution is Kenya’s lifeline and the current standoff can derail development in counties,” said Kivutha.
The governor opposed the current referendum calls saying any constitutional reforms should be geared towards strengthening devolution.
He said governors will come up with their own initiative dubbed ‘Ugatuzi’ to protect and strengthen devolution.
“We are opposed to both the Punguza Mzigo and Building Bridges Initiative as governors and we shall collect one million signatures and rally MCAs to support the initiative to build up devolution,” said the governor.
By Roselyne Kavoo
