Reason ODM leader Raila Odinga wants MCA seats slashed

Why Raila wants MCA seats slashed

Mark Mwithaga

December 17, 2018 10:10 AM

ODM leader Raila Odinga on Monday called for the reduction of seats allocated for MCAs in order to cut the wage bill.

ODM leader Raila Odinga during addressing the public

Odinga singled out the Homa Bay County ward representatives who he accused of engaging in continuous wrangles that affected the services offered to the residents.

The ward representatives have been in constant conflict over the position of majority leader in the County Assembly.

Nasa leader Raila Odinga during a past event Pulse Live Kenya

The Nasa leader stated that the country is suffering from the burden imposed by the MCAs who took home millions of shillings in form of salaries.

“When we voted for the new Constitution, we expected everyone to enjoy the fruits of devolution.

“We are yet to realize this because counties spend much in salaries and incessant wrangling,” remarked Odinga.

Funds allocated to the devolved governments

Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo echoed the comments by Odinga and pointed out that the devolved governments use up to 70 per cent of the finances allocated to them for personal reasons.

Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo during a past ODM party meeting Pulse Live Kenya

The proposal by the ODM leader comes after the one proposed Caleb Kositany of scrapping the positions of MCAs, Nominated MPs and the Senate.

“We have to think in the long-term and I would want anyone else to challenge me. What does the Senate do that is so special that cannot be done by the National Assembly?

“I don’t see any reason why we should have the Senate overburden taxpayers,” Kositany.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament Justin Muturi in September, the Soy constituency MP revealed that the positions cost the public over Sh 3 billion a year.

Mark Mwithaga