Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has called on political leaders to reject violence as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election, warning that peace remains the foundation of Kenya’s stability and development.
Speaking during the opening of the 6th Legislative Summit of the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) in Mombasa on Tuesday, Mudavadi urged leaders across the political divide to exercise restraint and promote peaceful coexistence during the electioneering period.
“As we head into the electioneering period we must shun violence. Do not be underwriters of violence going into the 2027 polls,” he said.
Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya’s democratic progress depends on maintaining peace, assuring citizens that the government is committed to delivering credible elections.
“I want to assure you that we will have a free, fair and credible election,” he stated.
He stressed the intrinsic value of peace, noting that even economically advanced nations have suffered setbacks due to instability. “I am not talking about the value of airports or roads… what is the value of peace? We have seen people with very big airports, but because of the violence, they have become empty and unused,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also commended the County Assemblies Forum for convening the summit, describing it as a critical platform for dialogue and institutional reflection within Kenya’s devolved governance framework.
“This summit has, over time, established itself as an important space for dialogue, institutional reflection, and practical engagement on the role of County Assemblies in our constitutional order,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that the theme of this year’s summit — “Resilient County Assemblies: Reinforcing Representation, Legislation, and Oversight” — was timely and aligned with the constitutional mandate of county governments.
“It speaks directly to the constitutional mandate of County Assemblies and to the wider task of ensuring that devolution continues to serve the people of Kenya effectively, accountably, and inclusively,” he added.
Mudavadi pointed to recent developments as evidence of the government’s commitment to devolution, including an address by William Ruto to the Nairobi County Assembly, which he described as historic.
“The address by H.E. President William Ruto to the Nairobi County Assembly remains a unique move since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, a testament that the current government is a defender of devolution,” he said.
He encouraged County Assembly Speakers to explore ways of inviting key stakeholders to address devolved units on pressing issues, reinforcing engagement and accountability at the grassroots level.
“Devolution remains one of the most transformative pillars of our constitutional order,” Mudavadi said, adding that it has brought governance closer to the people, expanded access to resources, and strengthened public participation.
He, however, acknowledged challenges facing county assemblies, including institutional and welfare concerns raised during the CAF Annual General Meeting held earlier this year.
Mudavadi revealed that his office has taken steps to address some of these issues, including writing to the National Assembly to expedite consideration of the County Assemblies Pensions Scheme Bill, 2024.
“Retirement security is not a peripheral matter. It is part of the dignity of public service, and the pension framework for MCAs must be fair, sustainable, and responsive,” he said.
He further disclosed efforts to fast-track the Intergovernmental Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to anchor the County Assemblies Forum in law.
“This is an important institutional reform. A legally anchored CAF will be better positioned to coordinate, represent, and support County Assemblies,” Mudavadi noted.
On financial matters, he said his office had engaged the National Treasury to resolve a taxation dispute involving Members of County Assemblies, while also pushing for the operationalisation of the County Assembly Fund to enhance financial autonomy.
“Financial autonomy is not an issue of institutional privilege. It is a necessary condition for effective legislative independence and credible oversight,” he said.
Mudavadi also highlighted progress in intergovernmental relations, noting that new regulations governing sector forums had been finalised and submitted to the Senate for approval.
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