Keep succession politics out of devolution forum, CoG warns

The devolution conference planning committee yesterday warned politicians against engaging in succession politics and instead focus on the theme of the event – climate change.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga are among dignitaries lined up to address delegates in the four-day conference.

The conference themed as Multi-Level Governance for Climate Change is expected to deliberate on climate mitigation measures from the national to the grassroots level.

Chairman of the devolution conference committee, Kisii Governor James Ongwae, there will be no room for politics as the forum was reserved for “professional talk.”

 “There will be no room for politics but serious a conversation on climate change. If you want to bring politics, then you should mobilise crowds outside the conference.

Here we will have a professional talk and people will be clapping intellectually,” said Ongwae, who is the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG).

 OKA complaint The President, who is in South Africa for a State visit, is today scheduled to officially open the event virtually.

The opening ceremony will be held at Makueni Boys’ Secondary School grounds. Raila is expected to address participants tomorrow while Ruto will close the conference on Friday.

Uhuru succession politics are expected to play out at the bedrock of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka who has declared interest in the presidency.

Yesterday, Kalonzo’s ally, Makueni MP Keep succession politics out of devolution forum, CoG warns Delegates collect accreditation cards ahead of today’s opening of the devolution conference in Makueni.

PD/ BERNARD MALONZA Daniel Maanzo, hit out at CoG for failing to extend an invitation to One Kenya Alliance principals.

They are Kalonzo of Wiper Party, Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress, Moses Wetangula (Ford Kenya) and Kanu chairman, Senator Gideon Moi. None of the principals has been invited to address the delegates.

 Maanzo threatened to organise a parallel forum if the event organisers do not invite MPs, especially members of the Environment and Climate Change committee.

 Parallel conference “In the event, this is not happening, then we shall hold a parallel people’s devolution conference which will pass resolutions and make sure that a paper is done to the National Assembly and a motion so that they are also implemented,” said Maanzo.

 Thousands of delegates yesterday trooped to Wote, which is expected to reap big businesswise. Among the delegates are the 47 governors, senators, Members of the National Assembly, County Speakers and Members of County Assemblies.

Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, heads of parastatals and other county and national government officials are also in attendance.

 Traders and hoteliers in Wote town and neighbouring towns like Kathonzweni, Mbuvo, Itangini, Mukuyuni, Makindu, Emali and Machakos town have been recording booming business.

Small traders and service providers such as taxi operators, boda bodas, shoe shines, car-wash operators, clothes sellers, small restaurants and even commercial sex workers have also felt the positive impact of the conference.

Delegates have been asked to ensure they print their Covid-19 vaccination certificates to hasten the clearance process.

Makueni County Police Commander Joseph Napeiyan said there will be 12 police roadblocks to control traffic during the conference.

Taxis and public transport vehicles will not be allowed to pick or drop passengers in the town during the day while transporters will be allowed in the town only during the night.