Anne Waiguru ‘censures’ Gachagua over release of El Nino funds statement

By peter Ochieng

Governors have denied receiving any money from the national government, aimed at mitigating effects of the ongoing El Nino rains across the country.

Speaking in Mombasa County on Tuesday, Deputy President Rigahthi Gachagua informed Kenyans that president William Ruto’s administration had released Sh10 billion to counties for El Nino mitigation measures.

The second in command urged governors, such as Mombasa’s Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir to use the funds to help Kenyans affected by floods, thanking Mandera, Wajir and Garissa County bosses for using up to Sh50 million to purchase foodstuffs for affected families.

However, during a press briefing on Wednesday, the governors denied receiving any money from the national government. Council of Governors (COG) Chairperson Anne Waiguru poured cold water on Gachagua’s sentiments.

“COG notes with concern public utterances that suggest that county governments have received funds from the national government to support mitigation of the devastating impact of the El Nino rains,” said the Kirinyaga governor.

“Such utterances are against the spirit of cooperative and collaborative Governments as envisioned under the provisions of Article 6(2) of the Constitution,” she added.

“COG calls upon the two levels of government to come together in order to intensify response strategies to mitigate against the complex risks arising from the heavy rains and flooding in addition to the existing humanitarian challenges.”

Flanked by some of her colleagues from the 47 counties, Waiguru said county governments are owed Sh62 billion in equitable share.

"County governments have not received any allocation from the national government to go towards mitigation measures. As a matter of fact, counties are owed a total of Sh62.58B from the equitable share that is yet to be disbursed,” she said.

"13 counties are owed Sh10.17B for the month of September. 27 counties are owed Sh19.64B for the month of October and all counties are owed Sh32.76B for the month of November."

Gachagua has since recanted his statement over release of Sh10 billion to counties.