Aden Duale, the Garissa Township MP, has maintained that pastoral counties will vehemently oppose referendum push if it is geared towards reducing or merging some counties.
Duale argues that it is malicious for some politicians to push for merging of counties.
Speaking in Wajir Town during the homecoming ceremony of Governor Mohamed Abdi on Sunday, the National Assembly Leader of Majority praised devolution, saying it is working for Kenyans especially those in marginalized regions.
“Our position as pastoralists on referendum questions will be unanimous. We will defend devolution and oppose any attempts to either merge or reduce counties and wards,” said the MP.
He revealed that the National Assembly and the Senate are pushing for more allocation to counties as some counties are getting meagre funding and are not able to implement key development services to Kenyans.
Duale also said that there is a need for equal funding to all counties for all Kenyans to enjoy devolved services without discrimination.
“We will support the increase of funds for counties to 45 per cent of the audited revenues passed by the National Assembly,” he noted.
The push for referendum continues to gain momentum as the majority of politicians across the political divide support it.
A section of politicians is pushing for a parliamentary system of governance while others want the presidential system retained.
Duale alongside former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim is supporting a parliamentary system of governance while Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria is among politicians against the proposal for a parliamentary system.