Raila wants number of ward rep seats slashed

ODM leader Raila Odinga wants the number of ward representatives reduced to cut the wage bill.

Mr Odinga said the country is over-burdened by the number of MCAs who consume millions of shillings in salaries.

He also warned MCAs against engaging in fights and instead focus on development.

The ODM leader said the country should elect fewer ward reps who can perform better.

“When we voted for the new Constitution, we expected everyone to enjoy the fruits of devolution. We are yet to realise this because counties spend much in salaries and incessant wrangling,” said Mr Odinga

SERVICE DELIVERY

Speaking in Homa Bay County on Saturday during the homecoming ceremony for Rangwe MP Lillian Gogo, the opposition leader said devolved governments spend up to 70 percent of their funds in personnel emoluments.

“The 30 per cent of the funds left for development is not enough. We need to eradicate poverty in our counties,” he said.

The politician said reduction of the number of MCAs should be among proposed changes in the referendum.

Mr Odinga pointed fingers at Homa Bay County Assembly accusing the MCAs of continuous wrangling that has affected service delivery to residents.

The MCAs have been fighting over leadership positions including that of House majority leader.

On November 1, the members impeached their Speaker, Ms Elizabeth Ayoo, but the courts reinstated her pending hearing and determination of the case challenging the purported ouster.

INTIMIDATING EXECUTIVE

The MCAs went ahead to block her from accessing the House, a move that led to the arrest and detention of some.

Mr Odinga told the members to act in a civilised manner.

“You cannot solve your differences by fighting. Be mature and follow the law,” he said.

He also accused some MCAs in other counties of intimidating their executive.

Mr Odinga also censured Siaya MCAs who he said refused to pass the county supplementary budget to intimidate Governor Cornel Rasanga.

“Some MCAs have made a habit of asking for money before they pass anything. They should be ashamed of themselves. Their role is to work for the people, not their pockets,” he said.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang who was among the leaders who attended the event said he will call a joint meeting between the MCAs and other county leaders this week.

The meeting seeks to end the rivalry that has been among members of the assembly.

Last week, Homa Bay MCAs went for a retreat in Mombasa in what is thought to be a meeting to bury their hatchets.