Referendum is Inevitable- Siaya Leaders.
From siaya.go.ke
His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth, Siaya County Governor today added his voice to the stalemate on funds disbursement from the national government.
He was speaking in Bondo where he joined other leaders for a fundraiser in support of Bondo FC. The team was raising funds meant for jerseys, registration with sports society of Kenya and other equipment.
The county boss, assured the team his support in enabling them meet their needs together with intervening on their request for the county boss to aid them with the matter of affiliation with the Kenya Football Federation.
Weighing in on the ongoing row pitting the National Assembly and the Senate against each other, governor Rasanga urged the two houses to solve their issues amicably.
He emphasized on the need for every stakeholder to come to the table and agree in order for the national government to disburse money to the counties within an acceptable time frame.
“Projects risk stalling if this is not done,” he warned. This comes a few days after Chief Justice David Maraga appealed for a political solution other than having the judiciary settle the matter.
Further, Honourable Rasanga called on the national government not to stifle devolution. This is even as he expressed his gratitude to the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his efforts in reviving the Nyanza factories like KICOMI and Ndere ginnery in Siaya.
The governor had earlier joined Mr. Odinga and other worshippers in a Thanksgiving service in honor of the 2nd bishop of the diocese of Maseno West who is facing retirement and the dean of the province, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Otieno Wasonga.
Speaking at the same function in Bondo, Siaya County Senator James Orengo called on the Siaya leadership to strengthen talent academies where talents can be tapped. Orengo additionally appealed to the National Assembly to work together in ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Other leaders who spoke at the function include Alego Usongo MP Sam Atandi, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, EALA MP Oburu Odinga, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo.
In his speech, Hon. Atandi took on the referendum matter terming it as inevitable. He cautioned people against the Aukot proposal which he held the view that it is a diversionary tactic from the real issues the country is facing. His sentiments tallied with those of Mr. Oburu who asked Mr. Aukot to go slow on his call for the Punguza Mzigo referendum and join forces with the Building Bridges Initiative. “A joint referendum will be strong and will bring the country together,” Mr. Oburu advised.
The same views were echoed by Ugunja legislator Opiyo Wandayi who asked the Third Party alliance chief Dr. Aukot to share his ideas with the BBI for them to be included in the next referendum. Opiyo reiterated that the call for referendum is geared towards fostering inclusivity.
Taking a different tone, Otiende Amolo asked the siaya county assembly to reject the Aukuru Oukot draft if it gets to the assembly. He warned that the call to amalgamate constituencies is absurd and it will hinder service delivery. In what he christened the Bondo Declaration, he said that the draft is dead on arrival.
Gem MP, Elisha Odhiambo on his part dismissed the Pungunza Mzigo initiative as not genuine. He opined that we must bring the country together, for the sake of our children’s future.
