Raila Promises To Be Involved in The Government

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said he will work with Cord's 24 governors to implement the coalition’s manifesto. Mr Odinga said Cord has majority governors elected during General Election and will use them fulfil promises they made during the campaigns.

Speaking at Mombasa County Hall on Thursday when he met governor Hassan Joho and ODM's 30 ward representatives, Mr Odinga said he will work with donors who are willing to fund Cord to fulfill its promises.

“We have to continue seeking more donors to help the 24 governors propel their agendas and that of Cord as they serve their people at their respective counties,” said Mr Odinga. He added: “We shall explore all the avenues to prove to Kenyans that Cord meant to transform their lives and we shall do so through supporting counties headed by our party governors.”

Mr Odinga also urged the members of national assembly to address issues of debts inherited by County governments from previous local authorities. He proposed the writing off of such debts to help the devolved governments run their systems effectively.

He also asked the national government to iron out issues on sharing of revenue from national parastatals such as port of Mombasa so that people in the counties can also benefit from them. “The Transition Authority has stated clearly in its recent advertisement that harbours and ferries belong to county government. But the national government has not stated how the county will get its share,” said Mr Odinga.

During the meeting, Mr Joho said the his office has inherited Sh2.8 billion from the Mombasa Municipal Council and urged the national government to release devolution funds to kick start county operations. “It is frustrating that national government was supposed to release some funds to assist in the recruitment and other County operations but until today we have not received anything from the treasury. We are asking those involved to check on the matter to ensure County operations do not stall,” he said. Mr Joho also warned former council workers to shape up and embrace change so as to achieve the county’s set mission.