Opposition leader Raila Odinga has opposed plans to increase the number of counties and is now calling for a fair distribution of resources to address marginalisation.

 Raila who spoke during an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) recruitment drive in Malaba Town, argued that the initial formation of 47 counties in Kenya, as decided during the constitutional formation talks, was aimed at promoting equitable development.

 He cited the example of the United States, which has 52 states, and highlighted that the size of counties plays a crucial role in streamlining development efforts.

 “A nation like the United States has 52 states with Texas being bigger than Kenya. The country has 47 counties, and when the counties are large, development is well streamlined. Smaller counties are not the solution,” he stated.

 Raila’s remarks came during his address to the Teso Community, which has been advocating for the creation of a separate county, delinking from Busia County.

 He acknowledged that during the constitutional drafting process, Busia and Kakamega counties were initially considered as a single county.

 Regarding the Teso Community’s desire for a separate county, Raila commented on a historical issue related to circumcision within the Bukusu community. He dismissed concerns about circumcision and emphasised that people should not be forced into it.  “Teso said they didn’t want to be in the same region within the Bukusu community because they forced them into circumcision. They forcefully cut men during the circumcision,” he explained.

 “We told them those talking about circumcision were fools. God didn’t make a mistake when creating us. Those talking about circumcision are stupid,” Odinga added.

Parliamentary caucuses

 While some parliamentary caucuses have been advocating for the creation of additional counties to address certain constitutional matters, Raila’s stance remains opposed to such a move. He supports the idea that efficient resource distribution, rather than increasing the number of counties, is the way to tackle issues of marginalisation and regional development disparities.

 The proposal to add eleven extra counties, including Kuria, Teso, Mount Elgon, East Pokot, Mwingi, Gucha, Suba, Ijara, Nakuru West, Wajir South, and Nyambene, has been a subject of debate among lawmakers.

 They plan to present a joint memorandum to the National Dialogue Committee, urging support for this proposal. However, the recent attempt to institute constitutional changes through the Building Bridges Initiative was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, leading to its failure.

At the same time, Raila assured ODM supporters that he will do all that it takes to straighten the party structures, especially the nominations.

 He was reacting to concerns by party members and officials who had complained of shambolic party primaries which they claimed caused voter apathy among its supporters during the general election.

 The members also questioned why some ardent party members who worked hard during campaigns were denied nomination slots in county and national assemblies.

 He called for youth, women and veterans to register en masse to the party saying it is only through numbers that they can clinch power and transform the country.

Last year, ODM launched a nationwide recruitment drive in a bid to enhance its image ahead of the 2027 polls.