Raila exposes Ruto is plot to kill devolution
Yesterday, opposition leader Raila Odinga criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of being determined to eliminate the decentralized system of government.
Raila asserted that the President was undermining the foundations of devolution by introducing new roles within the provincial administration to rival and weaken the positions held by governors.
Raila argued that the establishment of regional and county commissioners went against the 2010 Constitution, as their purpose seemed to dilute the authority of elected county leaders.
Speaking at the funeral of former West Mugirango MP Benson Ogero Kegoro in Borabu constituency, Raila issued a warning, stating that opposition leaders would not permit Ruto to reintroduce issues that were rejected with the old constitution.
He expressed concern that Ruto posed a threat to devolution and urged Kenyans to stand up and resist these changes.
“Devolution, which was brought by the new Constitution after a long struggle, is under threat because the current leadership has started sneaking in structures which went with the old constitution which was autocratic,” Raila said.
“The introduction of the positions of regional and county commissioners is an attempt to undermine and scuttle the devolved system of government,” he added.
He also pointed out that these positions of regional and county commissioners were being unlawfully utilized to demolish the properties of Kenyans, disregarding legal procedures.
“Imagine these people are not elected by members of the public but they have overwhelming powers which they are using to commit crimes and other unlawful activities,” Raila said.
The opposition leader emphasized that Kenyans had invested significant efforts in establishing the new constitution, but he criticized Ruto and his associates for rolling back the achievements made. Addressing the issue of the high cost of living, Raila accused Ruto of transforming the country into a tax burden for ordinary citizens, collecting taxes from those who could least afford it.
Raila lamented that Ruto had betrayed the trust of various groups, including boda boda riders, vegetable vendors (mama mboga), and other struggling individuals, whose lives he had promised to improve if elected as president.
In addition, Raila took aim at Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, accusing him of suppressing the country’s opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, who was also present at the burial.
“The victory of my brother Bisgye was stolen just like mine but let it be known that one day the will of the people of Uganda and Kenya will stand,” he added.
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Raila exposes Ruto is plot to kill devolution
