President Uhuru Kenyatta has reproved leaders who have hampered the devolution process because of selfish interests. Speaking at the burial service of the late James Nderitu Gachagua, who was the governor of Nyeri, President Kenyatta urged leaders to put their differences aside. “We must know that the positions of leadership that we are given aren’t meant to be used badly,” he said.
“Kenyans wanted devolved governments, and we’ve done all we can to ensure the devolved governments are in place,” said President Kenyatta, “We are saddened because funds have been disbursed to the counties but the citizens haven’t seen the benefits, just because leaders don’t agree on issues.” President Kenyatta said even though leaders may have different ideas, that shouldn’t interfere with service delivery. “Let it not be that if the governor has a manifesto which he had presented to the county residents, other leaders later come and try to destroy the plans he had already laid in place,” he said, adding that those who don’t have the same manifesto should patiently wait for another chance to vie for the post.
On the other hand, Deputy President William Ruto said that cancer treatment is available in the country, citing that the late governor was a victim of cancer. “As the government, we started a programme to ensure we have radiology machines in the counties, which will facilitate early detection of cancer,” he said, adding that it’s vital for Kenyans to turn up for tests so that they can manage the disease.
