Governors Pledge to Defend Devolution in Raila Odinga’s Memory

Governors have renewed calls to devolve the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), invoking the late Raila Odinga’s legacy as they push for constitutional reforms to strengthen county governments.

On Saturday, county leaders gathered at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister. The delegation, led by the Council of Governors (CoG), laid wreaths and reflected on Raila's pivotal role in promoting devolution and challenging centralised control of public resources. 

CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi described Odinga as “the father of devolution”, crediting him with dismantling systems of political patronage and promoting fair resource distribution. The governors’ campaign to devolve the NG-CDF follows Odinga’s long-held view that Members of Parliament should not both manage and oversee development funds. 

Kisii Governor Simba Arati urged county leaders to honour RAila's stance by upholding the principles of devolution. “Mr Odinga repeatedly told us that the CDF kitty belongs to the counties because Members of Parliament cannot oversight themselves,” Arati said, recalling moments when Raila's position faced resistance but later influenced policy.

The renewed debate over the NG-CDF highlights ongoing tensions between legislative control and executive decentralisation. West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin said Raila's efforts had transformed Kenya’s governance by ending decades of resource inequality. 

“The former premier dismantled a powerful centralised system where resources were controlled from the centre and distributed through political favouritism,” he noted, adding that Raila's commitment to equity was not fully recognised at the time.

Several governors linked Raila's reforms to their own political progress. Abdullahi, who comes from a region once under emergency rule, said devolution opened opportunities for local leadership. 

“That would not have changed if Mr Odinga had not fought for it,” he said, connecting past marginalisation to the benefits of county autonomy.

Tributes to Raila have also come from across the political divide. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi described him as a leader who placed national unity above personal ambition. 

“In 2007, when the country was on the brink of chaos, he put Kenya first,” Sudi said, calling Raila a Pan-Africanist and a statesman whose influence went beyond party lines.

Six days after his burial, mourners and political delegations continue to visit Raila's home. Among them was Turkana North MP Paul Ekwom, who led a team to console Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga. Ekwom reaffirmed support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying, “For 20 years, ODM has been our number one choice, and we shall not leave it even after the demise of the leader.”