Resist attempts to cut funds – Carswellfamilyfoundation

*The meeting of the constituency party chairmen takes place at a Nairobi hotel. (HANDOUT)*

ODM chairmen of all 47 constituencies have now called on Members of Parliament to resist any attempt to stop devolution in the country.

In a statement after a meeting with the party’s national leadership, constituency chairmen said MPs must ensure that constituency allocations are not cut.

“The meeting also directed its Members of Parliament to ensure that there are no clawbacks in the devolution of powers and in particular to resist any attempts to reduce the share distributed among the constituencies,” said ODM Council of Constituency Chairmen Secretary Dickson Manyara.

The call comes amid concerns from districts about delays in disbursing funds.

The Council of County Chairmen (CoCC) has reiterated the need for ODM to maintain its identity and ideology as an independent opposition political party.

They also called on all leaders within the party to unite and speak with one voice on important issues affecting the party so as not to confuse the rank and file of the party.

“The chairmen reaffirmed the need to preserve the party’s identity and ideology as an independent opposition political party based on the values of social democracy.”

The ODM chairmen also opposed any plans to extend the tenure of elected officials to seven years, as proposed by Senator Nandi Samson Cherargay.

They instructed ODM MPs to reject any such proposal as soon as it reaches them.

The chairmen met to brainstorm and consult on various issues of national and party interest, including the composition of the party’s new leadership following the departure of Raila Odinga to campaign for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.

The meeting was attended by Governor Gladys Wanga as National Chairperson, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati (Governor of Kisii) and Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Makadara MP George Aladwa, who is the chairman of the faction, was also present.

The meeting also endorsed the new party officials, expressing confidence in their ability to lead the Orange Party to greatness.