Linda Katiba accuses State of stifling devolution

Comes after Ruto held a meeting to plan takeover of health functions from counties.

In Summary
  • It noted that Ruto had committed to support devolution adding that it is key in the 2010 Constitution and a direct expression of the sovereign will of Kenyans.
  • "There is a deliberate, systematic and intentional plot to reverse the devolution of power and resources as intended by the 2010 Constitution," it added.
President Willliam Ruto at the official opening of the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong Kajiado county on December 21.
President Willliam Ruto at the official opening of the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong Kajiado county on December 21. 
Image: PCS/TWITTER

Linda Katiba has accused the Kenya Kwanza government of being a threat to devolution.

This follows claims that President William Ruto held a meeting with health workers’ union officials to plan the takeover of health functions from counties.

During the February 14, meeting, the formation of a Health Risk Commission was also discussed.

The Commission is meant to be an independent body that will oversee the management of human resources and service provision in the health sector.

In a statement on Wednesday, Linda Katiba frowned upon the details of the meeting, adding that the government has been known for "double-speak, inconsistency, incoherence and contradictory policy positions on devolution".

It noted that Ruto had committed to support devolution adding that it is key in the 2010 Constitution and a direct expression of the sovereign will of Kenyans.

"There is a deliberate, systematic and intentional plot to reverse the devolution of power and resources as intended by the 2010 Constitution," it added.

It further accused the government of using the Treasury and National Assembly to stifle devolution. 

It said the delay in disbursement of county allocations was not only frustrating development but also the public servants working at the county governments. 

The movement called upon Kenyans to fight against any threat to devolution. 

"We call upon Kenyans to fight for devolution and to main vigilant to the forces that are determined to kill the promise of the Constitution 2010," it said.

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