Cofek warns President Uhuru Kenyatta against disrupting devolution

President Uhuru Kenyatta signs a document at State House. (Photo:PSCU)

By Michael Wesonga

Kenya: The consumers federation of Kenya (Cofek) has cautioned the president against sabotaging the process of devolution because of personal interests.

Cofek Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said devolution must work by all means because it is enshrined and safeguarded by the constitution.

Stephen who was speaking at a consumer watch forum in Eldoret reminded the president that he swore an oath of office to safeguard the constitution including devolution by all means.

“If the president has problems with Isaac Ruto, for instance, he should not be seen to attempt to sabotage devolution because of personal interests,” he challenged.

The consumer rights crusader observed skiving of the Kwale conference by the national government was proof enough of a widening gap between them and the county administration.

“The absence of the national government at the forum is testimony enough of the lack of commitment on devolution,” he underscored.

He was further dismayed that the discussion in Kwale largely centered on promises and was short of action.

In fact, Mutoro noted it was counterproductive to hold the forum at the national level as opposed to the county level.

“The forum ought to have been held at the county level to allow the governors a chance to interact with the electorate because they have been holding frequent forums every other time,” he argued.

Mutoro added that the governors had equally failed by being dodgy and giving excuses when called to be accountable.

The official asked Kenyans to take devolution directly if all fails as stipulated in article 1(i) of the constitution where the sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya.

“Kenyans should resolve to recalling their leaders if they keep on failing to cooperate,” he urged.