KENYA: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said that CORD’S quest for a referendum on the Constitution was to push for full implementation of devolution.
CORD leaders Raila Odinga and Moses Wetangula
The leader said CORD had been misunderstood and had been accused of engaging in empty talk yet they were pushing for effective devolution, one that will enhance general development in the country.
Raila said with elections over, his coalition wanted to concentrate on issues that will improve service delivery and development.
“We in CORD are not engaged in empty talk but we want to address issues that were part of our manifesto; to fight disease, illiteracy, poverty and poor governance,” said Raila.
He stated that they will praise the Government if Kenyans were satisfied with its services and that they would also criticise it for failing to meet the expectations of the citizens.
He said CORD leaders were determined to push for a referendum and asked Kenyans to be ready to raise one million signatures.
“ Referendum itakuja, wapende wasipende (The referendum will come whether they like it or not),” said Raila.
Raila said it was good that they (government) had noted the shortfalls in implementation of theConstitution hence the need for a referendum at the early stages.
“Ukijenga nyumba mbaya ya nyasi, ni afadhali kunyeshe mapema ndio ujue ni wapi kunavuja (When you build a grass-thatched house, it is an advantage if it rains early so that you know where it leaks,” he said.
The former Prime Minister cited duplication of roles in the Government due to the retention of the provincial administration.
In stitches
“The Constitution had stated that the provincial administration would be restructured and have them under governors in the counties,” he said.
He said the outfit has been retained and only renamed hence leading to duplication of roles and conflict in leadership.
“The Provincial Administration have been renamed regional co-ordinators, county commissioners, deputies, ward co-ordinators and assistance thus causing duplication of roles,” said Raila.
Raila spoke on Sunday at Liyavu Catholic Church in Kwanza constituency in Trans Nzoia.
He said that the Senate also should be empowered so it can effectively defend the devolution.
Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula, ODM executive director Magerer Langat, Trans Nzoia governor Patrick Khaemba, Senator Henry ole Ndiema and Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi were among those who accompanied Raila.
Wetangula stated that CORD leaders including Raila, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and himself will remain united to ensure Kenyans achieved their expectations.
State corporations
He said CORD leaders can easily raise the required one million signatures that will bring a national referendum that will ensure devolution was effectively achieved.
Wetangula also claimed that there was discrimination in the hiring of heads of State corporations saying the government should ensure equity among all Kenyans.
By Titus Too, The Standard
