Anti-graft fight is CORD ticket to 2017 presidency, says Kajwang’

KENYA: Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ wants the leadership of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to decisively deal with the issues of corruption, which has dogged some of its members.

He said allegations of financial impropriety from the coalition counties will weaken CORD principal Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in 2017.

“We must urgently style up and show the world how CORD government will look like, our counties should be known for prudence, performance and innovation. Despite the little funds that the counties are getting, we are yet to see changing and revolutionary initiatives in place,” said Mr Kajwang.

He added: “When some of us speak out against wastage in the counties, we are conscious that the score sheet of our counties will be used against the coalition in 2017.”

The senator regretted that the report submitted to President Uhuru Kenyatta by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and made public linked about 10 CORD governors to corruption.

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti is among those named in the list of shame and is expected to clear his name within 60 days that EACC is conducting investigations.

Kajwang’ said it is not a good rating for a coalition eying the presidency in the next General Election to have its leaders implicated in graft.

“Kenyans overwhelmingly voted for the Constitution in 2010 because they wanted power and resources devolved to the grassroots. Corruption is not a devolved function and it should not have roots in the counties. We must deal firmly with the vice and expose those involved,” he said.

He took issue with the persistent leadership wrangles between the county Executive and the assembles, warning that the fights will slow down development.