Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga has defended Members of County Assembly (MCAs), saying that the Sh2 million car-grant was not a bribe to convince them to pass the BBI.
Raila endorsed the grants to MCAs, saying that he understands the challenges they face at the grassroots level.
“I would like to thank the MCAs for supporting the BBI amendment bill, but the Sh2 million given to them as a car grant is not a bribe since the members of parliament also received Sh7 million for the same purpose,” said the opposition leader, while speaking during a BBI campaign in Voi Sub County on Tuesday.
Raila was accompanied by Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja. Others present were Voi MP Jones Mlolwa, Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime, Deputy Governor Majala Mlagui and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
The ODM leader said that with the passing of the referendum bill, the counties are set to get many development projects since enough funds will be received from the National Government.
On his part, the Suna East MP Mohamed said leaders opposing the bill are misleading the public.
He took a swipe at senior leaders in government, saying they had taken a long sabbatical leave after they failed to mislead the public into rejecting BBI.
“Those who are opposing the BBI are now silent and nowhere to be found after counties saw through their lies and passed it,” said Mohamed.
Governor Samboja said BBI proposed an increase of revenues from 15 percent to 35 percent that would spur development in the county.
“The BBI will safeguard the protected constituencies from being merged. This will ensure we do not lose money from our constituencies,” said the governor.
