Governors threaten to sponsor petition to dissolve Senate, shut down counties over revenue stalemate

The Council of Governors (CoG) is now threatening to sponsor a petition to dissolve the Senate over failure to pass the third basis revenue sharing formula, further warning that all 47 counties will shut down on September 17, 2020 if an agreement is not reached.

CoG Chair and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, in a hard-hitting statement released on Thursday, said the Senate has failed counties hence has no role being in existence.

Governor Oparanya said failure by the Senate to agree on a formula has put counties in a precarious position with many failing to even pay salaries for health workers.

“To this end, we hereby forewarn the Senate that a petition for its dissolution can be initiated by any member of the public through the High Court as provided for under Article 258 of the Constitution,” read the statement.

“It is unfortunate that county governments are unable to even pay the salaries and allowances of our health workers who remain in the frontline to save lives of Kenyans.”

It further added: “In this regard, if the situation persists, effective Thursday September 17, 2020 counties will have no choice but to shut down. Therefore, all county government services will not be available in the counties. Consequently, we shall release all county employees to proceed on leave until an amicable solution on the issue is reached.”

Oparanya also faulted the Senate Public Accounts and Investment Committee for continually calling Governors to Nairobi despite the dangers presented by COVID-19.

Oparanya said no Governor will appear before the committee until the pandemic is over and money has been disbursed to counties.

“We hereby categorically state that Governors will not bow down to the extortionist nature of this County Public Accounts and Investments Senate Committee and will only appear virtually until COVID-19 pandemic is over and funds has been disbursed to County Governments,” he stated.

He further called on investigative agencies – EACC and DCI – to probe the committee over allegations of extorting governors.