Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and his Machakos counterpart Alfred Mutua have accused the National government of failing to prioritize devolution through delay of disbursement of funds amounting to over Sh.102 billion.
Addressing a press conference in Nyeri town today, the two county chiefs said that failure by the national government to release funds to counties in order to foster development at grassroots level is an indicator that Uhuru administration does not prioritize devolution.
“We as counties believe that the first priority of government should be debts and disbursement to counties for devolution to thrive, this is not happening and we are now aware that we were never a priority” said Mutua.
Mutua who was on a one day visit to Nyeri pressed the government to release the funds before the end of the financial year so that Wanjiku can benefit.
“What the national government released to us by close of business on Tuesday is peanuts, counties have received only Sh. 5 billion out of 39 promised by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani and unless a magic happens they will not make it due to problems caused by IFIMS that means we shut down” said Kahiga.
Governor Kahiga on his part said that the majority of counties will have their money returned back to treasury since the systems at IFIMS are always down meaning even pending bills cannot be paid .
Mutua who is gunning for presidency urged Mt Kenya region voters not to agree to division from foreigners and instead stick together so that they can benefit politically.
“We as Leaders from other areas know that you are being divided by outside forces, never allow that to happen for you to benefit, sit down and unite for the sake of this region” said Mutua.
Kahiga dismissed the coronation of National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi saying that he cannot lead the mountain by virtue of being crowned by few individuals for their personal interests.