NAIROBI, Kenya – Opposition leader Raila Odinga has strongly criticized Members of Parliament over a proposed bill that he says threatens devolution and undermines the Constitution.
The Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, 2024, tabled by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, has sparked tensions between the National Assembly and the Senate.
The bill seeks to revise the revenue-sharing formula between the national and county governments, proposing an allocation of Ksh.380 billion to counties—down from the Ksh.400 billion currently stipulated in the Appropriations Act.
The law requires that counties receive at least 15 percent of national revenue, translating to Ksh.400 billion.
“This is a power grab and an assault on the Constitution. It’s a cruel betrayal of the people and an overhaul of our governance structure,” Odinga said during a press briefing.
Odinga argues that the MPs’ proposal not only violates constitutional provisions but also undermines the spirit of devolution.
He warned that granting Parliament control over county allocations would lead to governance inefficiencies and conflict between the two Houses of Parliament.
“Execution or implementation of programs has never been and can never be the job of Parliament without creating a serious accountability crisis,” Odinga stated.
He accused MPs of attempting to overstep their mandate of representation, legislation, and oversight by seeking control over funds like the Road Maintenance Levy Fund and county allocations.
The Senate, which initially recommended Ksh.416 billion for county allocations, had compromised at Ksh.400 billion following negotiations.
Odinga sees the National Assembly’s push to lower the figure as unconstitutional and a direct threat to counties’ functionality.
“This is not only illegal but sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to the slow strangulation and eventual death of counties,” he warned.
Odinga urged Parliament to respect the boundaries set by the Constitution, warning that the proposed changes would foster animosity between the Senate and National Assembly, and erode public confidence in governance systems.
Odinga’s remarks come amid broader debates on governance and resource allocation, with critics accusing MPs of seeking to centralize power.
His concerns echo those of other leaders who fear that weakening devolution will undermine local development and service delivery.
The Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, 2024, tabled by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, has sparked tensions between the National Assembly and the Senate.
The bill seeks to revise the revenue-sharing formula between the national and county governments, proposing an allocation of Ksh.380 billion to counties—down from the Ksh.400 billion currently stipulated in the Appropriations Act.
The law requires that counties receive at least 15 percent of national revenue, translating to Ksh.400 billion.
“This is a power grab and an assault on the Constitution. It’s a cruel betrayal of the people and an overhaul of our governance structure,” Odinga said during a press briefing.
Odinga argues that the MPs’ proposal not only violates constitutional provisions but also undermines the spirit of devolution.
He warned that granting Parliament control over county allocations would lead to governance inefficiencies and conflict between the two Houses of Parliament.
“Execution or implementation of programs has never been and can never be the job of Parliament without creating a serious accountability crisis,” Odinga stated.
He accused MPs of attempting to overstep their mandate of representation, legislation, and oversight by seeking control over funds like the Road Maintenance Levy Fund and county allocations.
The Senate, which initially recommended Ksh.416 billion for county allocations, had compromised at Ksh.400 billion following negotiations.
Odinga sees the National Assembly’s push to lower the figure as unconstitutional and a direct threat to counties’ functionality.
“This is not only illegal but sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to the slow strangulation and eventual death of counties,” he warned.
Odinga urged Parliament to respect the boundaries set by the Constitution, warning that the proposed changes would foster animosity between the Senate and National Assembly, and erode public confidence in governance systems.
Odinga’s remarks come amid broader debates on governance and resource allocation, with critics accusing MPs of seeking to centralize power.
His concerns echo those of other leaders who fear that weakening devolution will undermine local development and service delivery.
