Gachagua dangles devolution goodies in meeting with governors
By Reuben.Mwambingu, September 16, 2022Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua yesterday assured that his office will be open to serve the public and all elected leaders regardless of their political affiliation.
Speaking in Mombasa yesterday while addressing an induction retreat for governors and their deputies, the DP called on the leaders to set aside their political differences and work together to serve Kenyans effectively.
He told the governors to feel free to approach him, saying besides being the DP; he is an ‘easy guy’ who is ready and willing to serve the public, devoid of red tape.
“Let us all forget the days of politics because that is now water under the bridge. I will personally be available and my office will always be open to serve you. I want to assure you that Kenya Kwanza government will be less and less about government in people’s lives and more and more service to Kenyans,” the DP noted.
He assured that President William Ruto’s administration is committed to the success of devolution, adding that the country should brace for more positive things about devolution.
“President Ruto has sent me to tell you that he is serious about devolution. Just like he has started with the Judiciary, prepare to see more things coming. Kenya Kwanza is keen to address issues bedevilling Kenyans and very soon you will see a serious rollout of an action plan that will support devolution structures,” he said.
Deputy President said devolution has suffered hiccups because there walls no political good will from outgoing administration, which he accused of frustrating elected leaders. While faulting the outgoing regime over tendencies to ‘ignore’ Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meetings, which epitomise synergy between National government and devolved units, Gachagua said under the Kenya Kwanza government, IBEC forums will be given the deserved attention.
“Gone are the days when the government will ignore IBEC meetings. From now onwards, you will see relevant Cabinet Secretaries attending IBEC forums without fail,” the DP said.
He went on: “The issue of delayed disbursement will be addressed. We must give a true meaning to devolution. In our policy, we have no business about who supported who and who did not.”
Gachagua used the forum to condemn what he termed disrespect meted on elected leaders in the past five years, saying it will be a thing of the past. “We are aware of the level of intimidation and extortion visited upon elected leaders in the name of fighting corruption. We have sent the DCI back to Kiambu road where he should be waiting for complaints to be reported instead of roaming around offices intimidating elected leaders,” Gachagua noted.
Junior officers
He stated that it is wrong for the DCI to embarrass elected leaders by sending junior officers to harass and interrogate them.
“A gazetted officer can only be interrogated by a gazetted officer. You guys are lucky that you now have a Deputy President who has experienced these harassments. It will never happen again,” he said
In light of the above, he announced that soon he will convene a meeting with National Government Administration Officers to ‘realign’ them in accordance with their roles.