Council of Governors Urges Gachagua to Avoid Populist Politics in El Nino Fund Allocation

The Chairperson of the Council of Governors Anne Waiguru on Wednesday criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his claim that the devolved unit had received El Nino funds.

Contrary to Gachagua's claim that Mombasa had received financial assistance from the national government, Waiguru clarifies that no allocation had been given to county governments to mitigate the effects of the heavy flooding. She maintains it is the national government itself that had failed to distribute the funds to the devolved units. She raises doubts regarding public statements suggesting otherwise and stresses the significance of a collaborative government as outlined in the Constitution.

"To date, we wish to state that the county governments have not received any allocation from the national government to go towards mitigation measures," says Waiguru.

Additionally, she advises Gachagua to avoid participating in politics that appeal to the general public. According to the Kirinyaga Governor, to tackle the diverse risks brought by excessive rainfall and floods, as well as the preexisting humanitarian challenges, a range of strategies need to be put into action. Waiguru states that the outstanding amount owed to counties from the equitable share is Sh62.58 billion, which has not yet been distributed.

Specifically, for September, 13 counties are owed Sh10.17 billion, and for October, 27 counties are owed Sh19.64 billion. Additionally, all counties are owed Sh32.76 billion for the month of November. Echoing Waiguru's viewpoint, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has also expressed worry regarding the heavy impact of the rains on certain counties, despite the state-owned helicopters remaining unused. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's assertion that Mombasa County has received El Nino mitigation funds has also been refuted by Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir.