The Uasin Gishu County government seems headed for a fallout with the Jubilee administration after its leaders joined the crusade for a national referendum being championed by governors and the opposition.
Addressing residents at Ainabkoi constituency during the unveiling of a school bus at Bishop Birech Secondary School, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago demanded an increase in county government funding, he also wants the Senate abolished.
“You have seen the laws they (senators) have since passed: Governors should not fly flags, MCAs should not be called honourable…. tell me, will these laws ensure that roads are constructed?” he posed.
He urged residents of Uasin Gishu - Deputy President William Ruto’s home county - to support the push for a referendum saying that the Senate had failed to protect the Constitution and had instead become an impediment to devolution.
His calls were echoed by the county speaker, Mr Isaac Terer, who condemned the County Government Amendment Bill 2014, which makes senators chairs of county development boards.
"The laws are unconstitutional, we sent them (senators) to defend devolution, not frustrate it, and if they are unable to do that, they should go home,” the speaks said adding that it would be undermining devolution if chief executives of counties were reduced to secretaries yet they were elected to oversee development of counties.
The president signed the Bill into law last Wednesday although governors have moved to court to seek an interpretation on the law which they say, violates the Constitution.
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