Kenya Devolution Civil Society Organisation Working Group is calling investigating agencies to expedite all corruption related cases
They called for the County Government to nullify Ward Development Fund from being implemented and managed by the MCAs since they should focus on their core mandate
They also demanded Treasury to be releasing county funds on 15th of every month as it was passed by Inter-Governmental Relations Technical Committee [IGRTC]
A fresh battle between the legislators and the public is brewing after another civil society organisation mounted pressure demanding for the abolishment of National Government- Constituency Development Fund and National Government Affirmative Action Fund
The developments are anticipated to cause another political battle field and frictions between President William Ruto, County Governors and Members of Parliament as well as Members of County Assembly, should the Kenya Kwanza Administration backs the call from Kenya Devolution Civil Society Organisation Working Group
“We urge MPs ans MCAs to strictly adhere to their constitutional roles of legislation, oversight and representation. Additionally, unconstitutional funds such as the NGAAF and CDF must be abolished as the court ruled. Theee resources should be redirected to county governments to improve service delivery and strength devolution,” Evans Kibet, Convener of the group stated
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The society told journalists that the MPs office have no administrative structure to oversee the implementation of cd which was found unconstitutional by the judiciary and ordered for it’s disbandment
Mr Chris Owalla, Community Initiative Action Group Kenya who is a Member of the steering committee of the [KDCSOWG] flanked by Mr Cornelius Oduor accused Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission EACC over what they termed selective nature of investigations
They both painted EACC and Kenya National Audit Office as biased in the way they carry out their investigations and prosecutings at both national and county governments citing that some people seems to be untouched
“Reports suggest that certain counties are shielded from scrutiny, creating perception of selective justice that undermines public trust and weakens anti corruption efforts. To address these concerns, we recommend granting the EACC prosecutorial powers and strengthening collaboration between EACC, KENAO and civil society organisations to enhance citizen oversight and forensic audits,” They underlined
Mr Oduor urged Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions [ODPP] to expedite all corruption related cases for the persons implicated at both National and County Governments
“These agencies must act impartially and expedite cases against all individuals implicated in corruption irrespective of their political affiliations,” Oduor remarked
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The group demanded the Head of State to relieve off duties all any individuals serving in public sector and do not meet the ethical standards of leadership and integrity act and or either have been subjected to investigation
“Furthermore, all public institutions responsible for enforcing accountability and justice_including the EACC, Judiciary, Auditor General Office, Office of the Controller of Budget, KNCHR, CAJ and National Gender and Equality Commission to ve fully funded and strengthened to ensure optimal performance,” Part of the Statement read.
OMNIBUS BILL
However, the society called for the MPs to move with speed and pass the omnibus bill that gives counties extra Kshs 272 billion more and above what they ae receiving currently
The bill also seeks to give counties more strength to implement certain projects which will be transferred from national government to devolved units
Misuse of Public Resources
They emphasised that National Government and County Government must ensure Public Finance Managememt Act is fully adhered to ensure seamless functioning of both levels
The group is alluding fears that the transferring devolved functions is not an end of rampant wastage of public resources hence calling both levels of government to take decisive action to curb misuse of public resources by ensuring timely publication of Budget Implementation Reports
“National Government must respect principles of devolution and cease engaging in functions that have already been devolved. On the other hand, County Government must focus on their constitutional functions and immediately stop spending on national mandates while compromising the quality of devolved services,” It emphasised