Exactly three years ago today, Kenyans celebrated the rebirth of the Republic after the new Constitution was promulgated at Uhuru Park, Nairobi. The ululation, dance and cheer that marked the historic event have since ebbed away, paving the way for challenges that the government has to contend with in its bid to implement some of the radical reforms that the new dispensation brought. Today, President Kenyatta and his deputy, Mr William Ruto, are facing the acid test, loaded with political overtones over the implementation of devolution — a key provision in the supreme law. The Governors’ Council chaired by Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto is agitating for a referendum to give Kenyans an opportunity to say whether they want the Senate to have legislative powers on all Bills on devolution, and increase budgetary allocations to the miniature governments from 15 per cent to 45 per cent of the national revenue. The debate has been spiced up by the entry of Cord led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has accused the Jubilee leadership of being bent on “killing” devolution and vowed to rally Kenyans behind the referendum to safeguard county governments. “I want all Kenyans to know that devolution is key to economic prosperity of this nation. However, there are some constitutional articles which are a deterrent to effective implementation of the process, hence a referendum is the only way to go,” he argues. FIRED-UP RESPONSE In a quick and fired-up response, Mr Ruto has embarked on rallies to unite Kenyans against the referendum, arguing that those behind the initiative were seeking short-cuts to power. “Do not be misled by the clamour for a referendum, because it has nothing to with the addressing of devolution. This referendum is meant to cause political confusion so that the government fails.” Whichever way the debate goes, Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto will have to find a way of increasing county budgets and strengthening the Senate to play a key legislative role in devolution.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 03:56:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015