Raila pushes for three-tier Gov’t system

Opposition leader Raila Odinga is now proposing a three-tier system of government consisting of the National Government, 14 regional blocks and the 47 county governments.

“I want to propose that we bite the bullet and reconsider the current structure of devolution and revisit the Bomas draft,” he said.

Raila, who was speaking at the ongoing Devolution Conference in Kakamega, noted that this would ensure a clear formula for revenue sharing.

He took a swipe at governors and MCAs saying the current system encourages self enrichment and corruption and “this is what is eating devolution inside out”.

The Former PM also intimated that during the March 9 handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta at Harambee House, corruption was identified as an existential threat.

“We must deal with it at a wide and common front. We will strongly support whistle blowing but without witch-hunt and very soon the corrupt will find themselves on their own,” he said.

“Development must be a straight forward march and not a zigzag process,” he added.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader further put on notice all corrupt county leaders accusing them of delaying projects in a bid to make money and saying they will soon be weeded out.

“MCAs and County Speakers are constantly accused of conflict of interest. They are the contractors and at the same time playing the oversight role,” the National Super Alliance (NASA) leader said.

“MCAs are holding Governors at ransom. They are being paid to bypass the county executives…If we can’t tackle this, then we will lose the most important thing: Devolution,” he added.

His sentiments come a day after President Kenyatta urged governors to prudently utilise county resources.

Deputy President William Ruto is expected to officially close the four-day forum on Thursday.