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Forget 2027, Fix 2022 First, Warns Raila
ODM leader Raila Odinga has thrown cold water on speculation about his 2027 presidential bid, declaring it “too early” to think about campaigns and insisting on prioritizing electoral reforms before the next polls.
In a candid interview with Citizen TV, Raila underscored the need for urgent action to address the opposition’s concerns over the 2022 election. “We are still concerned with what happened in 2022,” he stated. “Unless we resolve it properly, it will be useless for anybody to run in 2027.”
His reform agenda centers around two key points: reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and ensuring fidelity to the Political Parties Act. Raila emphasizes the need for a credible electoral body to “give you real results” in future elections.
Responding to interpretations of his past statements, Raila clarified his position on Kalonzo Musyoka, denying any formal endorsement for the 2027 presidential race. He acknowledged Kalonzo’s “unwavering support” over the years and described him as “a trustworthy person who has stood for what is right.” However, he emphasized that his positive remarks were a response to President William Ruto’s comments, not a premonition of his own political future.
“I didn’t say I will support Kalonzo Musyoka,” he clarified. “I acknowledged him as a trustworthy person… I was responding to Ruto when I said Kalonzo is enough.”
Reassuring his supporters, Raila reiterated the unity of the Azimio la Umoja coalition. He declared that the alliance remains strong and will “agree on who will bear the flag for president” when the time comes.
MCAs On the Move: Controller of Budget Exposes Extravagant Travel Spending
A shocking report by the Controller of Budget has revealed rampant extravagance by county assembly members (MCAs) across Kenya, with billions of shillings gobbled up in unnecessary foreign and domestic travel within just the first quarter of the 2023-2024 financial year.
The report paints a picture of MCAs living the high life, spending over Ksh.3 billion on travel allowances in a mere three months. This translates to a staggering Ksh.1 billion per month, a figure that could be channeled towards crucial development projects or improving public services.
The report shines a spotlight on Nairobi County, where MCAs racked up the highest local travel bill, spending Ksh.94 million in three months. This translates to a monthly travel budget of Ksh.31 million – a figure that could fund a new clinic or upgrade a school.
Nairobi MCAs’ wanderlust doesn’t stop at the border. They’ve also blown Ksh.8.9 million on foreign trips, despite the Controller of Budget noting that these jaunts were never officially approved. This raises serious questions about oversight and accountability.
The extravagance isn’t isolated to Nairobi. MCAs in Migori, Mombasa, Narok, Marsabit, Nyamira, and Nakuru have all indulged in excessive local and foreign travel, spending millions of shillings on ventures that appear to have little benefit for their constituents.
The Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakango, has thus raised a red flag, calling for an end to unnecessary spending. She has urged all county assemblies to implement stricter travel clearance procedures, particularly for foreign trips, to ensure taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
This report is bound to spark public outrage as ordinary citizens are currently struggling to make ends meet.
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