Governors are in support of the reinstatement of impeached Wajir Governor Mohammed Abdi.
CoG chairman Martin Wambora confirmed on Thursday that Abdi has resumed office and is running the affairs of the Wajir county government.
“The Council appreciates High Court and the Court of Appeal for the precedent-setting judgment delivered regarding the Wajir impeachment case," he said.
"The pronouncement by the two courts re-emphasises the importance of the principle of public participation, due process and the mandatory provisions of the Assumption to Office of the Governor Act before a Deputy Governor assumes office whenever impeachment occurs,” he said.
While speaking to the mediaon critical issues affecting counties, Wambora said the council will support the Governor as the CoG abides by the rule of law.
“We urge the people of Wajir county to continue working with their duly elected governor. Further, we hope that service delivery shall improve in any areas that may have been affected due to the leadership situation in the county over the past few months,” the chairman said.
In February, the High Court reinstated Abdi who was impeached by the county assembly and the Senate in May last year for gross violation of the Constitution.
The Governor was immediately replaced by his deputy Ahmed Muktar who was sworn in as governor in line with the Constitution and the County Governments Act.
“Following the judgment, we wish to confirm that Governor Abdi has resumed office and is running the affairs of Wajir county,” he said.
On the disbursement of the county equitable share, Wambora said so far, the National Treasury has only disbursed 54 per cent of the total county allocation.
This translates to Sh199.8 billion out of the Sh370 billion allocated to county governments for the 2021-22 financial year.
“As of today, Sh14.72 billion is owed to 21 counties for the month of January; Sh31.45 billion is owed to 47 counties for February and Sh29.60 billion for March.
"The total funds owed to counties as of today is a colossal amount of Sh75.77 billion," Wambora said, adding that continued delay in disbursement of the funds has interrupted services.
(Edited by V. Graham)
