Stop summoning governors, Raila tells Senate

Raila  Odinga  speaking  at Homabay  Boys High school in Homabay for Devolution Conference 2025 . [Michael Mute, Standard]

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged the Senate to end its practice of summoning governors, arguing that only county assemblies should oversee county executives.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, Odinga said the current arrangement undermines devolution and creates a power imbalance between the national and county governments.

“I believe in a balance of power between Nairobi and the counties; none should stand in the way of the other,’ said Odinga. 

“County governments are supposed to be overseen by county assemblies, not the Senate. It is unnecessary for the Senate to be summoning governors to appear before senators in Nairobi,” he added. 

He observed that decisions on local matters should be made at the county level, saying the national government should only decide on issues that affect the whole country.

“Decisions affecting only Homa Bay should be taken in Homa Bay or any other county for that matter,” noted Odinga, adding, “Only decisions affecting the whole country should be taken by the national executive in Nairobi.”

Odinga also urged Parliament to consider an amendment granting pensions to governors who serve two terms, similar to the benefits given to members of Parliament.

He proposed that counties take full control of  devolved functions such as transport and education, with the national government handling international highways.

 He also called for incentive arrangements to reward counties that excel in areas such as poverty reduction, youth unemployment and environmental conservation.