ODM leaders, Raila Odinga asks Government to release funds to counties

Siaya,

Friday, 22nd December, 2023

KNA by Philip Onyango

Azimio leader, Raila Odinga has asked the government to release funds to counties to enable them implement projects that improve livelihood of the residents.

Speaking Thursday in Ugunja and Gem constituencies where he presided over the launch of several projects being undertaken by the Siaya county government, Odinga who was flanked by a host of Orange Democratic Movement leaders further accused the government of failing to resuscitate the economy and create jobs locally.

He said that it was the responsibility of the government to create jobs locally instead of exporting labour to foreign countries who equally need such jobs for their citizens.

Raila said that Kenyans were vigilant and will not allow President William Ruto and his henchmen to claw back the democratic gains that the country has made.

Other leaders at the launch included Siaya governor, James Orengo, minority leader in the national assembly, Opiyo Wandayi and legislators Samuel Atandi and Dr. Christine Ombaka (Siaya) and Siaya senator, Dr. Oburu Odinga.

Orengo said the government has no choice but to ensure equitable development of all parts of the country.

Minority leader, Opiyo Wandayi said county governments cannot successfully implement projects due to denial of funds by the treasury.

Wandayi further said that parliament will push for the enactment of the national dialogue committee report that, he added, had recommendations that will see political parties empowered to deal with party defectors.

Once this is done, he added, those who went to bed with other parties other than those that sponsored them to parliament will automatically lose their seats.

Siaya Senator, Dr. Oburu Odinga said the imposition of high taxes will not see the country move out of the economic doldrums and advised the government to instead lower taxation and expand the tax base.

Among the projects that the former prime minister launched today were the tarmacking of the Ugunja municipality ring roads that will be done at a cost of Sh47 million and the upgrading of the Yala township roads and construction of a maternity theatre complex at Yala Sub County hospital that will cost Sh26,990,000 and Sh24,898,472 respectively.

Courtesy; KNA