ODM Calls for Abolition of the 47 County Assemblies

The Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called for the abolition of the 47 county assemblies.

ODM chairman John Mbadi said county assemblies have failed to carry out their legislative and oversight mandates effectively, and should, therefore, be replaced with regional assemblies.

“Some of them have been compromised by the Executive and have, therefore, lost meaning. They are only driven by business interests inimical to their mandate,” claimed Mbadi.

Mbadi, who is also Suba South MP and leader of Minority in Parliament said counties have nothing substantive to show despite receiving billions of shillings from the national government.

“The results, as the Auditor General’s office shared with Kenyans recently, is a pointer to weaknesses and variables in smaller administrative units,” he said, adding that counties have had uncontrolled expenditure.

“A lot of money has been wasted on recurrent expenditures and projects that are not sustainable. These are issues that will inform the ballot question at the referendum,” he said.

The opposition party is also pushing for the creation of the executive Prime Minister position, who will be elected by Members of Parliament.

However, its push for referendum to introduce amendments into the Constitution to change the country's leadership structure has met opposition from Deputy President William Ruto and other Jubilee leaders.