Odinga Lauds Devolution, Cautions Governors of Cartels

Mr. Odinga said that devolution is the key to development or rural areas and asked Governors to take full charge.

“One of the amazing achievements of democracy is how its fruits trickle down to supporters and opponents alike,” he said.

“There can be no doubt that voters want their counties to be supported and strengthened, not wound up or undermined.”

He noted that devolution is changing “the country in ways few imagined”.

However, he noted that the success of devolution – which relies on goodwill and support from the political leadership – is under threat especially from corrupt county and national governments officials.

“Corruption cartels have commandeered many county governments. Unrepentant believers in the old order are fighting devolved units in the false hope that they can reverse the clock,” he noted.

Pushing greed and impunity

“There have been loud concerns about corruption. The activities of some members of the County Assemblies and County Executives have been seen as pushing greed and impunity to new levels, sparking off protests,” he noted.

He accused some elected leaders of deliberately confusing their oversight role with execution, pitting county assemblies against county executives.

He lauded the citizenry of being pro-active in the war against graft.

“There is a positive side to the protests being sparked by corruption allegations at the county levels. They indicate that the people are taking control of their destiny.”

Odinga, who was speaking during the opening of the 2nd Annual Devolution Conference in Kisumu, challenged the county governments to responsibly use resources in their disposal for the betterment of their communities.