DP Ruto dismisses Raila proposal for new Gov’t system

Deputy President has dismissed a proposal by Opposition leader Raila Odinga for a three-tier system of government.

He rubbished it saying the current system only requires enhanced accountability and not an overhaul.

“How do you explain the Ksh.99 billion in pending bills? It’s because counties budget beyond their resources and don’t collect revenue sufficiently. Counties must not over commit,” the DP retorted.

On Wednesday, Raila had addressed delegates at the Devolution Conference and proposed a new governance system: National Government, 14 regional blocks and the 47 county governments.

Mr. Ruto however dismissed it and instead cautioned county leaders against wasting funds.

“ …with more resources, comes more responsibility. My friends the Governors, the title ‘Your Excellency’ doesn’t come easy.”

Speaking during the final day of the conference in Kakamega, DP Ruto expressed disappointment in a section of county leaders for failing to account for funds, despite giving them having sufficient time to do so.

He also addressed the debate over delayed disbursement of funds saying that the budget that supports both National and County Governments is 100 per cent locally sourced.

The DP was categorical that the national government does not owe any money to counties for previous budgets.