DEVOLUTION DUEL: CHERARGEI HITS BACK AS NYONG'O ACCUSES RUTO OF SABOTAGE

Nairobi, April 22 — A war of words has erupted between Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o over the state of devolution under President William Ruto’s administration.

Moments after Nyong’o accused the Kenya Kwanza government of undermining devolution and attempting to centralize power, Cherargei hit back, blaming governors for mismanaging county resources.

> “Prof. Nyong’o should not personalise attacks against the President. He should instead hold fellow governors accountable for ballooning corruption, poor development, and insatiable greed,” Cherargei stated.

The clash centers on the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), which President Ruto wants the national government to manage to avoid duplication of roles. However, Nyong’o insists this move threatens the spirit of devolution and violates the 2010 Constitution.

> “The Ruto regime is dragging us back to the Nyayo era. The achievements of the Second Liberation must not be destroyed,” Nyong’o warned in a strongly worded statement.

Nyong’o becomes the second ODM governor to speak out publicly since the party signed a cooperation pact with UDA. Siaya Governor James Orengo has also criticised the government, calling on citizens to remain vigilant and defend their constitutional rights.

The escalating tension underscores growing friction between the national and county governments over control of development funds and the future of devolution in Kenya.