Kisii MCAs each recount how Raila shaped their political paths
As Kenyans mourn former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, some members of the Kisii County Assembly have recalled how he shaped their political lives, describing him as the doyen of the opposition and father of devolution.
Amos Onderi, Bokimonge Ward Representative serving his second term at the House as an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party member, noted the party leader inspired him to vie for the seat in 2017.
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The Member of the Kisii County Assembly noted it was difficult to win the seat, which was held by the Jubilee Party’s George Bibao, stressing it inspired constituents to also elect Obadiah Barongo through ODM in the last General Election.
Speaking after the House, chaired by Speaker Dr Philip Nyanumba, after passing the Supplementary Budget during a special sitting, he lauded Raila for fighting for devolution, human rights, and the law.
In 2017, the area Member of the County Assembly and Member of Parliament for the Bomachoge Borabu constituency were from the Jubilee Party. ODM leaders won the seats courtesy of respect for Odinga,” Onderi told the House.
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The MCA noted the former PM was rooting for more funds from the national government channelled to counties to develop them, citing the Ksh. 403 m Kenya Roads Board fund under the fuel levy, which members of Parliament wanted allocated to the National Government Constituency Fund (NG-CDF) for roads under the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA).
Dennis Ombachi, the House’s minority leader, noted Raila’s role in promoting devolution was unrivalled, noting that he wanted the NG-CDF scrapped for the funds under the kitty to be channelled towards enhancing development at the grassroots.
MCA’s remarks
He noted that if Ksh100M was given to each of the electoral wards across the country, it would foster development and transform the economic lives of residents.
Born during the colonial rule, the MCA noted the former prime minister founded many political parties and fought for a parliamentary system of government as opposed to the unitary, but it was watered down during the delegates’ meeting at Naivasha.
“We have a mongrel; it is neither unitary nor parliamentary. Odinga will be remembered for major reforms in various sectors, which shaped the country’s political and economic development,” Ombachi, the Marani Ward MCA, told the Assembly.
Naftal Onkoba, MCA for Nyacheki, who was elected in 2016 during a mini poll through the ODM party, noted the former prime minister endorsed him for the seat, saying the former PM fought for democracy, which Kenyans are enjoying.
He noted that devolution was a brainchild of Odinga, noting it had helped expand the democratic space, create jobs, and foster good governance.
“We have good roads, education, and health facilities courtesy of devolution started by Odinga. I urge leaders to continue pushing for devolution to be actualised as per the 2010 constitution,” Onkoba told the Assembly.
Lillian Gor, nominated member of the county assembly, said Odinga sacrificed his life fighting for reform and was detained, noting he was not even allowed to attend the funeral of his mother since he was in prison.
Gor said Odinga stood for a just society, saying he was a diplomat and gave a blueprint, giving a map of infrastructure in Africa, adding, The country and Africa have lost a great leader.
