Raila accuses MPs of frustrating devolution, warns 2027 will be "judgement day"
Raila accused MPs of frustrating devolution by holding onto functions that belong to the counties.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has told Members of Parliament that their continuous interference with devolution and refusal to release adequate resources to counties will influence their political fate in 2027.
Speaking during the burial of former Kisumu Town West MP Ken Nyagudi in Gem, Siaya County, Raila accused MPs of frustrating devolution by holding onto functions that belong to the counties.
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“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,” he said on Friday.
He blamed MPs for delaying county budgets and interfering with development roles, warning that such actions were weakening the progress of devolution.
Raila insisted that governors were unable to deliver services because lawmakers were holding back key funds and responsibilities.
“Devolution is not working because of a constant tug-of-war between the national government and the counties,” he said.
The ODM leader pointed out that instead of focusing on legislation, representation and oversight, some MPs were engaging in development projects like building roads and schools, tasks that fall under county governments.
“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,” Raila added.
He further claimed that the push by MPs to control funds such as the NG-CDF and the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund was unconstitutional and only served to undermine devolution.
He called for full support of the 10-point agreement between ODM and UDA, saying Parliament must ensure at least Sh500 billion is allocated to counties.
“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,” Raila said.
Raila dismissed claims that county leaders were misusing funds, saying any corruption issues should be handled through lawful processes instead of being used as a reason to deny them money.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi backed the ongoing cooperation between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza government, saying it was aimed at addressing pressing issues facing ordinary citizens.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga urged former Azimio allies to stop attacking ODM, while Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o called for honesty and unity within the party.
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