County Chairpersons of ODM from all 47 counties have now urged Members of Parliament to resist any attempts to kill devolution in the country.
In a statement after a meeting with the party’s national leadership, the county chairpersons said MPs must ensure the county allocations are not reduced.
“The meeting further directed its MPs to ensure there are no clawbacks to devolution and specifically resist any attempts to reduce the shareable allocation to the Counties,” the Secretary, ODM Council of County Chairs Dickson Manyara said.
The call comes amid concerns by counties over delays in disbursement of funds.
The Council of County Chairpersons (CoCC) reiterated the need for ODM to retain its identity and ideology as an independent opposition political party.
They further called on all leaders within the party to unite and speak in one voice on critical matters affecting the party to avoid confusing the party rank and file.
“The Chairs reiterated the need to retain the identity and ideology of the party as an independent opposition political party founded on the values of Social democracy.”
The ODM chairpersons also opposed any plans to extend the terms of elected officials to seven years, as proposed by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
They directed ODM MPs to shoot down any such proposal, as soon as it gets to them.
The Chairpersons had met for a brainstorming session and consultations on various matters of national and party interest, including the composition of the new leadership of the party following the exit of Raila Odinga to campaign for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Present at the meeting were Governor Gladys Wanga as the National Chairperson, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy party leaders Simba Arati (Kisii Governor) and Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Makadara MP George Aladwa who is the chairman of the Caucus, was also present.
The meeting also endorsed the new party officials,
expressing confidence in their ability to lead the Orange party to greatness.
