Counties boycott Oparanya’s shutdown order amid Lack of Revenue

Mombasa County government has defied the Council of Governors Directive on closure, saying it will meet with County executive ministers in order to reach a consensus on the decision.

Services such as garbage collection, health services, and fully uniformed county askaris could be seen on the job, despite the order by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

The county executives are expected to meet today to discuss how the county should operate, amid the dwindling revenue streams.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui announced that services would continue as usual, but added that he will convene a meeting on Friday to deliberate on the county’s position.

Nyeri, and Laikipia also announced that services in their counties would continue as usual. They however called on the senate to unlock the revenue stalemate.

CoG Chairman Gov. Oparanya directed all governors to terminate all services and county officers to proceed on a two week leave.

The decision was made to avert a crisis, after the lapse of a deadline for Senators to approve a county revenue sharing formula.

However, Senators did not take the decision lightly, terming the move illegal, and instead of pointing an accusing finger on the Treasury for failing to release at least 50% of the funds to the counties using the old formula.

“If Governors accede to the memo by Governor Oparanya, they will have violated the Constitution. The Supreme Court issue an unequivocal order on the release of funds pending the determination of any issue concerning the division of Revenue.” Senator Mutula Kilonzo jr.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula was critical of the move by the Council of Governors to withdraw services he revealed that they have seen the white smoke on the impasse on the 3rd basis of revenue allocation formula saying by Thursday they will assent to a formula that will benefit all Counties.