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The Legacy of Fear: How the Shadow of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Shaped Kenya's Political Landscape In the annals of Kenya's political history, the events of 1969 stand out as a defining moment marked by fear, coercion, and manipulation. The political tension surrounding Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's candidature led to a series of oath-taking ceremonies in Gatundu that forever altered the fabric of Kenyan society. Understanding this historical context is crucial, especially when contemporary politicians attempt to invoke these dark chapters for political gain. The Fear of Jaramogi and the Birth of the Gatundu Oath The roots of the infamous Gatundu oath can be traced back to the fear and propaganda surrounding Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the former vice-president and then-leader of the opposition. By 1969, the political landscape in Kenya was charged with tension. The assassination of Cabinet Minister Tom Mboya on 5th July 1969 had already set a volatile backdrop. Within this context, Pr

Devolution Under Threat: Council of Governors Raises Alarm


The Kenya Council of Governors has issued a stark warning, asserting that the nation's devolution system is encountering a grave peril emanating from the Executive. Devolution, a cornerstone of Kenya's governance structure since its inception in 2010, is facing unprecedented challenges, according to the council.

The council, representing the 47 counties of Kenya, has voiced concerns over what it perceives as systematic attempts by the executive to undermine the autonomy and effectiveness of devolved units. Such encroachments, if left unchecked, could erode the gains made in decentralising power and resources, threatening the very foundation of devolution.

Among the grievances highlighted by the council are delays in disbursing funds to the counties, arbitrary interventions in local governance affairs, and the imposition of directives without consultation or consideration of local needs. These actions, the council contends, not only weaken the ability of counties to deliver essential services but also jeopardise the principles of democratic governance and citizen participation enshrined in the Constitution.

The warning from the Council of Governors comes at a critical juncture for Kenya, as the country grapples with a myriad of socio-economic challenges. Devolution, with its promise of bringing government closer to the people and fostering equitable development across regions, is now more indispensable than ever.

In response to the council's alarm, stakeholders, including civil society organisations and the public, are calling for urgent dialogue and concrete actions to safeguard the integrity of devolution. They emphasise the need for mutual respect between the national and county governments, adherence to constitutional principles, and the promotion of a collaborative approach to governance.

As Kenya navigates these turbulent times, the preservation of devolution stands as a litmus test for the country's commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive development. The challenge now lies in translating rhetoric into action, ensuring that the promises of devolution are upheld for the prosperity and well-being of all Kenyans.



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