Region supports expanded Executive, increased allocation to agriculture

Leaders and residents from Mt Kenya region have backed the proposal to expand the Executive by creating a prime minister’s  and two deputy premiers posts, saying the move will promote inclusion.

 This was one of the resolutions presented at the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally in Meru on Saturday.

The resolutions, read by Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia, also recommended allocation of 30 per cent of national revenue to the agriculture sector.

“We cannot save the economy of this country without saving agriculture. Its only way that we that we can have a complete economic revolution,” he said.

On sharing of resources, the regions roots for “one man, one vote, one shilling” principle.

Politicians from the 11 Mt. Kenya counties represented at the Kinoru Stadium said creation extra posts in the Executive would ensure the region is accommodated politically.

 Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi had during the region’s delegates meeting last week warned that there was no guarantee the next president will come from Mt Kenya.

 “It is important we support the creation of an executive prime minister,” he said.

Extra seats

Agriculture Cabinet secretary Peter Munya called for unity among residents of the vote-rich region. On an expanded Executive, he said the three extra powerful seats would help curb cases of election-related violence.

 “Those who are against BBI are enemies of unity and those claiming that the creation of the three slots will rob taxpayers of their money are just noisemakers,” said.

“We fully support the handshake between President Kenyatta  and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga because it has brought unity among Kenyans,” he added.

 Meru Senator Mithika Linturi challenged the region to support a Meru leader for top national leadership.

 “We have escorted our neighbours for many years to clinch to power. We are also asking them to reciprocate,” he said.

 Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and her Tharaka Nithi counterpart Muthomi Njuki reiterated support for an expanded Executive.

“Our unity will determine if we remain in the cold or inside the government come 2022,” said Njuki.

The region also proposed increase of county allocations to not less than 45 per cent to enhance efficiency in service delivery.