Raila meets Cord Senators, MPs to draw legislative agenda

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is welcomed by Cord Nairobi County ward representatives for a luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi April 3, 2013. Mr Odinga met Cord Senators and members of the National Assembly to deliberate on its legislative agenda April 4, 2013. FILE 

By ISAAC ONGIRI
Posted  Thursday, April 4  2013 at  10:44

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is hosting a meeting of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) Senators and members of the National Assembly.

The meting is at Mr Odinga's Karen home in Nairobi and will deliberate on Cord's legislative agenda in both Houses.

It will also address the issue of representation in House committees, where most parliamentary business will be conducted.

Also in the meeting are East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) MPs affiliated to Cord.

Siaya Senator James Orengo and Busia Senator Amos Wako are among leaders present.

On Wednesday, Mr Odinga warned of an elaborate attempt to kill devolution even as governors from across the country demanded to meet President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta over the matter.

Mr Odinga urged governors and senators to unite in defence of devolution, warning that gains made in the Constitution that ushered in devolved governments could be lost.

The PM warned of attempts to undermine governors to dilute devolution, a system he said was being opposed by some government insiders.

He asked the government to allow governors to take over the offices currently occupied by provincial and county commissioners, saying that it was sad that some civil servants were humiliating governors.

“As a coalition, we stand strongly for the full and undiluted devolution of powers and resources to the counties,” said Mr Odinga.

“That is why I want to call on all governors and county assembly members, regardless of party, to hold their ground, stand firm and demand to be given the full space and mandate to implement the devolution agenda for their voters”

He also urged senators to immediately initiate demands for full funding for devolved governments.