A section of ODM Senators has vowed to embarrass Raila Odinga by defying his order to support the controversial revenue sharing formula when it is tabled in the Senate today.
The opposition senators that have vowed to go against Raila’s directive are those whose counties are set to lose cash in formula and the matter was personal to them and had nothing to do with the party’s position.
This comes even after the President promised to rally his troops in Jubilee party to support the formula by calling a Parliamentary Group meeting today morning ahead of today’s vote.
“Having has a robust debate on this matter, the Senate should now allow the country to move forward by adopting the CRA report while using the concerns voiced for future recommendations on revenue sharing,” Raila’s statement read partly.
However, Senators Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), Issa Juma Boy (Kwale), Ali Wario (Tana River), Anwar Loitiptip (Lamu), Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta) said they will reject the motion if tabled before the Senate today afternoon.
“This is not about party positions but personal to us as Senators from the Coastal region. If it is passed, it will further marginalize our region, which has been neglected by successive governments,” said Madzayo who spoke on behalf of other Coastal Senators.
The highly debated formula favors counties with a high population at the expense of low populous counties.
“We are not going to bulge for the sake of devolution. The basic amount that any county should get is the shareable revenue in the last Financial year,” Senator Madzayo added.
According to the Senators, their counties have already prepared their budgets and if their allocation is reduced from their shareable revenue, they will luck money to pay their staff.
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“Where will they get money for development? These counties are already underdeveloped and cutting their revenue will make them poorer. There must be equity when it comes to sharing the national cake,” said Taita Taveta Senator as reported by a local daily.
Raila key man Ledama Ole Kina minced no words, saying: “I don’t and will not agree with Raila Odinga’s statement. My position is that I will stand for Kenya.”
“Raila has not prevailed on anyone. He just said he has left the matter to us as legislatures to look for a solution and solve the issue amicably,” the Narok Senator added.
The revenue sharing formula has put Raila in a tight corner having the unenviable duty to persuade his Senators who stand to lose cash to support the CRA proposal.
