The Interior Ministry has suspended plans for the opening of Barack Obama University in Siaya County.
The county government expected the transfer of ownership of Siaya ATC on Friday from the national government to the county to pave way for construction of the university.
However, before the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the county received a mail from PS Karanja Kibicho directing that the process is postponed until further notice.
Kibicho directed Prof Karega Mutahi - the chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) - and the county government to halt the handing over process.
[caption caption="Siaya Deputy Governor James Okumbe"]
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The email was sent when Mutahi and Siaya deputy governor James Okumbe were already at the site for the signing ceremony.
The county government officials led by deputy governor protested the directive maintaining that the mail was not copied to them as protocol dictates.
"I am going back to Nairobi to consult expansively on the stalemate and in a week's time, I will communicate to you on the way forward," Mutahi stated.
Okumbe, however, stated they suspect the stalemate emanates from the 13 houses that were occupied by Siaya police bosses in January last year.
He further stated that the county government of Siaya had already set aside Sh100 million for the college's renovation.
[caption caption="PS Karanja Kibicho"]
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Okumbe, who was accompanied by county secretary Dave Anyona, warned the national government against interference with the devolved functions.
