Push for car grants by MCAs bad for devolution, Senators warn

Nominated Senators Joy Gwendo (right) and Martha Wangari (left) address mourners at the funeral of the late Aloyce Mundu in Chiga in Kisumu County on May 3, 2014. PHOTO/JACOB OWITI 

In Summary

• Senators Martha Wangari and Joy Gwendo said the MCAs are also overstepping their oversight role
• She said the impeachment threats to governors will slow down development at the counties

By MOSES ODHIAMBO
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Two Senators have warned that the push by MCAs to be given car grants and mortgages will reverse progress of devolution.

They said MCAs were becoming enemies of devolution after they set conditions for the grants before they pass budgets.

Senators Martha Wangari and Joy Gwendo said the MCAs are also overstepping their oversight role for selfish gains.

Ms Wangari said threats to governors through impeachment and rejection of bills was only hurting development.

She said the impeachment threats to governors will slow down development at the counties.

Ms Gwendo at the same time accused politicians of not passing the right message of the Jubilee milestones to the people.

“We have launched an Uwezo Fund for youth and women, what have the politicians done to make Kenyans aware of the existence of these funds?” she posed.

She lamented that great development strides made by the Jubilee government were overshadowed by politics.

But Jackton Onunga, the Nyalenda A county representative said they must be allowed to do their work without interference by other arms of government.

“Other bodies, especially national assembly must stay away from our oversight role, parliament has a lot to do than dwell on county affairs,” he said.