Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) Chairman Charles Nyachae has backed the reorganisation and restructuring of the provincial administration that saw county commissioners empowered and given enhanced roles.
President Uhuru Kenyatta last week unveiled a new-look county administration to be headed by the county commissioners, replacing the old system of the provincial administration that was abolished but the decision has been met with opposition and uproar.
The Opposition coalition CORD has dismissed the appointments warning that the county commissioners were in direct competition with governors who are chief executive officers of devolved units.
The coalition has warned thatits leaders would not recognise the county commissioners saying the law was violated regarding their empowerment.
But Nyachae tore into the political class accusing them of trying to frustrate the implementation of the Constitution saying they posed a threat to the full realisation of the Constitution.
“I do not fear anyone, that is why I speak the truth. On this one, the president was within the law and did not violate any provision, otherwise it was long overdue,” Nyachae said.
He said the reorganisation of the provincial administration was important to ensure execution of national government functions. He lashed at those criticising the move as hypocritical.
“I am saddened that some of the country’s respected legal minds who were involved in the crafting of the different functions assigned to each level of government have come out to make statements that appear to injure the spirit of the implementations of the Constitution,” Nyachae said as he singled out Siaya senator James Orengo who has lately termed as unconstitutional the move to rebrand the provincial administration
Nyachae said President Uhuru Kenyatta was within the Constitution to appoint officers who would help him implement national functions as provided by the Constitution.
“I have seen people post on social media asking why I have not criticised the appointments, but really there is no reason to dismiss them. They are within the law,” he added.
Information Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i supported Nyachae’s stand calling on the political class to tone down the rhetoric that served to create an impression that their were rifts between the county and national governments.
“The president has not violated any law. He was merely strengthening national coordination at county level. I am concerned that we spend a lot of time on arguments, some of them hollow. Let us give development a chance,” he said.
Borabu MP Ben Momanyi urged his colleagues to respect each other adding that it was important to accord the institution of the presidency the respect it deserved.
“Let us learn to respect each other. We don’t need to be at each others’ throats. Our people need our services and nothing less,” Momanyi said.
Other leaders who supported the appointments included Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong’i and former Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati.
Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi steered clear of the debate urging leaders to respect each other for the sake of development.
The leaders spoke during the 23rd graduation ceremony at Nyanchwa Adventist College in Kisii County.
