Azimio leader Raila Odinga has accused President William Ruto of allegedly interfering with the running of county governments.
Speaking at Magena Market in Kisii County on Sunday, Raila claimed the President has been undermining devolution by launching county projects and issuing instructions to governors.
Raila cited the Affordable Housing Programme, which he said is a devolved function.
He said the programme should be spearheaded by county governments and not the national government.
“Affordable housing is a devolved function. Give Simba Arati (Kisii governor) the money and let him build the houses. Markets are also a responsibility of counties. He (Ruto) cannot come here and tell people he will build a market and then hand it over to the county. Give Arati money to build the market,” he said.
Raila further cited the subsidised ferlitiser programme, “Agriculture is devolved. Give counties the money to buy the fertiliser and allow them to distribute it,” he stated.
The Azimio leader also faulted the President for launching projects that were undertaken by county governments.
“We have seen him opening county hospitals, telling people how rural roads will be tarmacked,” he said.
The ODM leader stated that the President should stop enticing governors with projects that should otherwise be undertaken by counties.
Raila added that feeder roads in devolved units should be built by counties and not by Kenya Urban Roads Authority or Kenya Rural Roads Authority.
“The money being given to KURA should be given to counties and the roads will be built,” he said.
Accompanying him in Kisii were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Ochilo Ayako (Migori) and Arati.
