Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has defended his continued collaboration with the national government stating that the move will benefit the residents of Kakamega.
Barasa was responding to a section of leaders who have been questioning his dalliance with the national government.
“Article 139 of the constitution gives County Governments authority to work with the national government. We will continue working together so that after 5 years you see development,” Barasa said.
This, even as he warned a section of leaders in Kakamega County from engaging in divisive politics, a year after the general polls.
“Government at each level and different governments at the county level shall cooperate in the performance of functions and exercise of powers and for that purpose may set up joint committees and joint authorities,” the constitution reads.
Barasa further faulted Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and the Kakamega Woman representative Elsie Muhanda for claiming that the county had received the whole Sh17.56 billion which is an equitable share for the financial year 2023/2024.
“You have been an MP for two terms and you know very well disbursements from the National treasury are done monthly. For instance, we already received July monies and we are now waiting for the August disbursement,” he said.
In a clip that has since gone viral, Khalwale is heard claiming that President William Ruto has disbursed funds to all counties for this financial year.
“I have given Barasa money for the new financial year and he should now build ECD classrooms, and ensure there is development in this county,” Khalwale said.
“All of us know money has been received, Barasa now needs to deliver, we want Khalwale to take charge and oversight the county and its activities. We have given the governor all the money,” Muhanda said during the same burial.
On his part, Deputy Governor Ayub Savula urged Senator Khalwale and County MP, Muhanda to work cohesively with the county government.
“I want leaders to stop abusing leaders in burials. They go to a burial you don’t know who died but you start abusing Barasa that you have given him money." Savula warned
