DP William Ruto Reveals The Only Way He Will Support a Referendum

Deputy President William Ruto has indicated that he will be willing to support the anticipated constitutional changes if they envision entrenching devolution.

Ruto, who has been wary of the proposed move, said his opposition is against "a suggestion on creating another layer of devolution, it must not necessarily be about amending the constitution."

Speaking during the 5th Devolution Conference, Ruto indicated that the proposed changes should not be about expanding the executive "but about effective management of resources."

[caption caption="William Ruto"][/caption]

"These are issues we can deal with. In any case, if there is going to be a suggestion on arranging or rearranging devolution it cannot be creating another layer.

"It must be about devolution downwards, not devolution upwards," the DP remarked reminding the Governors on the need to be responsible with the resources allocated to the counties.

He also recognized the Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) for their immense contribution towards the success of the counties while noting that they rarely acknowledged.

"You may clash with MCAs but we must engage with them because they are a crucial element of devolution.

"The best way to support a government is to criticise it when it's wrong. Even those who criticize the national government are ideally our friends. So governors must not feel bad when criticised by MCAs or when they don't get their way," he stated.

Ruto further reiterated that the national government had no intention of frustrating the County Governments by withholding the funds meant for counties.

In his view, the delays were caused by the shortage of funds given that at times, the revenue collection falls short of the projected government earnings raised through taxation.

 

[caption caption="DP Ruto with Governors Nanok and Waiguru"][/caption]

The DP also explained that despite the delays, the National Government has always ensured that all pending bills are not carried forward but are cleared before the end of each year.