Governors angered by Uhuru remarks on Senate row

Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto has said President Kenyatta has no business commenting on the stalemate between Governors and Senators since the matter is pending in court.

Speaking at the start of the governors retreat in Mombasa, he emphasised that the head of state should have waited for the court ruling before commenting on its merits and demerits.

Additionally, he said that the president should keep off the matter until it is resolved as his remarks will not solve the issue. He urged the president to respect the judiciary.

He was reacting to sentiments by the president on Friday in Kericho where he urged Governors to respect the senate whenever summoned to account for their expenditures.

The Bomet Governor accused the Jubilee Government of embarking on a smear campaign against County Chief Executives and a plot to undermine devolution and the progress made so far.

The situation as it is shows that the Jubilee government has removed its mask. It is now clear that they have waged a war against devolution. They have also embarked on a smear campaign against the Judiciary - Ruto

He said the governors meeting in Mombasa will discuss the matter at length to find solutions to safeguard devolution.

Former Primer, Raila Odinga, has also accused the president of attempting to bring an end to all autonomous institutions in the country by commenting on matters pending before law courts.

Raila, in a statement sent to newsrooms, noted that a pattern of repression as it was during the KANU regime was returning. He also warned of attempts by Uhuru's administration to re-establish a system of presidential and legislative tyranny where no other institution in and out of government will be allowed their constitutional rights.

“It is unfortunate that the presidency has now explicitly and publicly endorsed this charade,” the former Prime Minister said, and urged the Jubilee government to respect “the doctrine of Separation of Powers.”

“I believe the alternative to adherence to this doctrine is the law of the jungle where one person can purport to perform the functions of president, judge and parliament at the same time.”