Deputy President William Ruto criticises opponents of Division of Revenue Bill

By DPPS

TURKANA, KENYA: Deputy President William Ruto has called for a stop to the supremacy battles between the Senate and the National Assembly regarding the signing into law of the division of revenue bill saying it was un unnecessary distraction to the national agenda.

Saying that the Jubilee government in its election manifesto stated that 40 per cent of the national resources will go to the county governments Mr. Ruto emphasized that the government will honour that commitment.

He was speaking at Lodwar stadium, Turkana county on Saturday during the homecoming party of speaker of the senate, Ekwe Ethuro.

He criticized those saying by President Uhuru signing the bill into law he was killing devolution, saying the jubilee government was for the devolved system of government and would not engage in activities that could derail the country from that route.

The Deputy President called on both the senate and the National Assembly to find an amicable solution to the controversy saying it was not prudent to take the matter to the supreme court for interpretation yet there are other less acrimonious avenues of solving the issue.

“The constitution is for all of us, let us sit together as leaders and see how best we can go about the issue and benefit from the constitution irrespective of whether you supported the constitution or not,” he added.

He said all counties will be given enough resources for their development adding that where there are shortages it will be addressed when and if the need arises.

“If we start taking small issues to the court this early, we shall be stuck in litigation instead of concentrating on development matters.”

He said, “All counties will get money, and those who will not have enough money will be added more funds. The government will follow up this matter to ensure that it is implemented to the letter.” he said.