Raila Pushes for Three-Tier Government System

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has proposed for the formation of a three-tier system of government comprised of the National Government, 14 regional blocks and the 47 counties.

Delivering a key-note address at the annual 5th Devolution Conference on Wednesday in Kakamega, Odinga said the country should revisit the Bomas draft of the Constitution and adopt the three-tier system of governance.

“I want to propose that we bite the bullet and reconsider the current structure of devolution and revisit the Bomas draft,” he said.

The Orange Democratic Movement leader said the current system promotes self enrichment and corruption. He further pointed out that during his handshake with President Uhuru on March 9th at Harambee House, identified corruption as a threat to the country's development.

“We must deal with it at a wide and common front. We will strongly support whistle blowing but without witch-hunt and very soon the corrupt will find themselves on their own,” he said.

“Development must be a straight forward march and not a zigzag process,” he added.

Odinga also put all corrupt leaders on notice, stating that they will soon be weeded out. He said they were to blame for the slow rate of progress.

“MCAs and County Speakers are constantly accused of conflict of interest. They are the contractors and at the same time playing the oversight role,” the National Super Alliance (NASA) leader said.

“MCAs are holding Governors at ransom. They are being paid to bypass the county executives…If we can’t tackle this, then we will lose the most important thing: Devolution,” he added.

His address came a day after President Kenyatta issued a warning to looters when he opened the Conference via a video link from State House on Tuesday. Deputy President William Ruto will officially close the four-day forum on Thursday