Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic political showdown, Members of Parliament (MPs) have unleashed a scathing ultimatum to county governors: either deliver tangible development projects to Kenyans—or brace for serious consequences. This fresh escalation in the standoff between national and county governments has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s devolution landscape.
MPs Push Back Against Governors’ Allegations
Speaking in Parliament, lawmakers accused governors of hiding behind court petitions and political rhetoric instead of delivering on essential services. With threats to stall the Division of Revenue and County Allocation bills, MPs insisted they are prepared to withhold crucial funding unless governors meet predefined delivery benchmarks.
“We expect our governors to stop undermining national oversight and start showing results—roads built, markets revived, clinics opened—or Parliament will have no choice but to intervene,” declared one senior lawmaker during heated debate.
RMLF Dispute Escalates
Central to the crisis is the power struggle over the Sh10.5 billion Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF). MPs argue that counties have mismanaged previous allocations, prompting them to demand greater oversight. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah warned bluntly: “No withdrawal of the court case, no release of funds.”
Governors, however, see this as an assault on devolution. Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi described MPs’ stance as “unpatriotic and ignorant of constitutional provisions,” while Senate allies pledge to block the County Allocations Bill unless the RMLF remains untouched.
Calls for Constitutional Respect and Public Backlash
Governors have threatened a controversial “shutdown” of county operations unless withheld funds—including an alleged Ksh78 billion in withheld equitable share—are released immediately. Officials say the financial squeeze is crippling services from healthcare to infrastructure.
Senior opposition voices, including ODM leader Raila Odinga, have backed governors. Odinga warned MPs against “neglecting their constitutional mandate to legislate, and instead grabbing devolved resources,” predicting electoral repercussions in 2027 for those who continue to block county functions.
Local Impact: Roads and Services Grind to a Halt
According to reports, rural roads are deteriorating under rainy season pressure, farmers struggle to access markets, and stalled health facilities leave communities vulnerable. Constituents, caught in the crossfire, have begun applying pressure through social media and public complaints.
What Happens Next?
The stakes couldn’t be higher:
- Parliamentary showdown: National Assembly may strip RMLF funding from the County Allocations Bill, triggering resistance from the Senate and legal challenges.
- County shutdown threat: Governors have hinted at halting nonessential services within 14–30 days if funds aren’t restored.
- Electoral implications: Critics believe the RMLF debacle and funding tussles will shape voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 general election.
Why It Matters
This clash isn’t just budget politics—it strikes at the heart of Kenya’s constitutional devolution, testing the balance of power between national and county governments. The conflict could determine whether devolution survives, or whether central authorities reclaim once-delegated functions.
As Parliament prepares to recess, all eyes are on a brewing constitutional crisis—one that may define Kenya’s governance for years to come. Kenyans at the grassroots await critical services. And for governors, the warning couldn’t be clearer: no delivery, no funds.
