Raila cautions MPs over devolution interference, says 2027 will be a litmus test
He said devolution was facing serious challenges due to a lack of cooperation between the national and county governments.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga has accused MPs of blocking county progress and warned that their actions will be remembered when Kenyans head to the polls in 2027.
During a funeral in Gem, Siaya County, Raila said that Members of Parliament had become a major obstacle to devolution by holding onto duties meant for governors and slowing the release of funds.
"The MPs must be told off. If they ignore this message, they should know that elections are around the corner. I will keep saying this strongly. If they continue to ignore it, it will be a key part of the election agenda in 2027," Raila said.
He said devolution was facing serious challenges due to a lack of cooperation between the national and county governments.
He blamed MPs for using their budget-making powers to control development rather than allowing counties to function as intended.
"Devolution is not working because of a constant tug-of-war between the national government and the counties," he said.
According to the former Prime Minister, MPs are not only failing in their duties but also creating confusion by engaging in development roles like roadworks and school projects—duties that belong to counties.
"The current Constitution gives Parliament the power to draw the budget. But now, with these powers, they also want to do work that belongs to the county governments — and that’s why some funds are being hoarded at the national level," he said.
Raila said the push by MPs to access and control funds such as the NG-CDF and Fuel Levy was hurting devolution.
He noted that such moves are unconstitutional and reduce the ability of Parliament to perform its oversight role.
"MPs want to do the work of the counties. CDF and Fuel Levy funds are being held up there because MPs want to build roads and schools. Yet their constitutional mandates are representation, oversight, and legislation. How will they oversee when they are also the contractors?" he asked.
He called on lawmakers to honour the deal between ODM and UDA and push for the allocation of at least Sh500 billion to counties, saying this is the only way to strengthen service delivery.
"We keep hearing MPs say governors are not working. But how will they work when the money isn’t there? Governors must be empowered to deliver services to the people," he said.
Raila dismissed claims of widespread misuse of county funds, stating that the right channels should be followed in cases of suspected corruption.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi defended the party’s decision to work with the ruling coalition, saying it was meant to benefit the public.
Senator Oburu Oginga told off critics from the opposition alliance, while Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o asked party members to remain united and uphold integrity.