MP accuses senators of sabotage in revenue allocation to counties
A Kiambu legislator has claimed that the revenue sharing impasse is a deliberate scheme by senators aimed at sabotaging governors and consequently expose them to the public court for non- performance ahead of the 2022 general elections.
Limuru Member of Parliament Peter Mwathi said most senators have an interest in the gubernatorial seats in their respective counties and hence were doing everything possible to dent political images of respective incumbents.
"The shenanigans and sideshows we are seeing are all political and I urge senators to discuss the revenue distribution formula soberly devoid of partisan politics and conflicts of interest," he said.
Mwathi was addressing the media after opening the Rironi multi-purpose hall which cost the NG-CDF 7.2 million shillings.
He said that if the Senate fails to reach a consensus on the revenue sharing formula, Kenyans would stage a sit-in outside parliament with a view of forcing the immediate closure and subsequent disbandment of the senate.
"If they fail to resolve this matter by Tuesday, governors, Members of County Assembly and Members of Parliament will resort to mobilizing Kenyans to stage a sit-in and smoke the senators out of the senate because they have become a liability to taxpayers," he said.
Mwathi reiterated that the change of guard at the Senate had seemingly created a political wedge among members, a thing he said had negatively impacted on debating the 'very crucial revenue disturbing criterion' among other house businesses.
He said that the one man- one vote- one shilling parameter should inform the senators' decisions when debating and voting on the issue adding that the formula is anchored on the long term future of devolution.
The vocal MP said that the formula will ensure equity and fairness because money will be distributed proportionally with the population of respective regions and this will be a major breakthrough in realizing actual devolution.
He called upon senators to be sensitive and realize that activities and services in all counties are gradually grinding into a halt at the expense of 'Wanjiku'.
"It Is unfortunate to learn that some senators are allegedly asking for bribes in order to vote in favor of the Bill and yet they are paid handsomely by Kenyans to make and pass laws," he said.
A section of senators and MPs are opposed to the formula which will see revenue distributed according to the number of people living in respective regions saying that the move will erode the gains of devolution in marginalized areas.
He also urged the government to allow the use of bursary monies to build extra classes in schools in order to accommodate many learners in line with the Covid-19 protocols.
