Two governors have urged the church to pray for the committee mandated to handle the ongoing division of revenue impasse that has brought county operations to a halt.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and his Kericho counterpart Paul Chepkwony said the financial crisis facing counties has not been created by governors but by Senators and Members of Parliament.
Speaking during a funds drive at St. Peter Kaliwa Sub Parish Catholic Church in Teso South Sub County, Ojaamong and Chepkwony stated that churches should offer special prayers to enable them to come up with an amicable solution on what should be disbursed to Counties.
Prof. Chepkwony said the Governors cannot plan any activity with contentious Sh316 billion being given to them by the Commission on Revenue Allocation arguing that it is unconstitutional
“The committee has a tall order to save the country from imminent paralysis by giving Counties what duly belongs to them before September 16 or counties might face a shutdown,” he said.
Ojaamong said the situation in counties is not a laughing matter with hospitals going without water and electricity after they were disconnected owing to non-payment of bills.
He added that Kenyans should support a referendum that will bring funds to the grassroots to promote development.
Busia Women Representative Florence Mutua urged the new mediation committee to expedite the harmonisation process so that funds can be channeled to Counties without further delay.
Mutua noted with concern that many counties are suffering with no salaries, bursaries, disconnected electricity and with suppliers stopping supplies owing to non-payments, thus the need to expedite the release of funds to counties.
She urged Members of the County Assembly and Governors to be patient as they (MPs) try to ensure that the committee discharges its duties with the urgency it deserves.
The Chairman of the Council of Governors Wycliffe Oparanya has indicated that if funds are not availed by September 16, then most counties will be forced to close their operations.
By Salome Alwanda
