Sifuna Warns Against ‘Unconstitutional Clawback’ of Devolution Amid State House Signing Ceremony

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has cautioned Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja against any move that could undermine devolution, following reports of a scheduled signing ceremony at State House.

In a strongly worded statement, Sifuna said the Governor had previously assured leaders that no county functions would be transferred to the National Government. He expressed surprise at news of a planned ceremony at State House, saying the development had raised concerns among stakeholders in the capital.

“The Governor of Nairobi assured us he wasn’t transferring any functions to the National Government. I’m surprised to see a scheduled ‘signing ceremony’ at State House this afternoon,” Sifuna said.

While noting that details of the agreement were yet to be made public, the ODM Secretary General urged Sakaja to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions and ensure public participation before making any decisions affecting the governance of Nairobi City County.

“As we wait to see what the actual thing is, I remind Sakaja Johnson to be mindful of the provisions of the Constitution and the need for involvement of the electorate and the leadership of Nairobi prior to making such decisions,” he stated.

Sifuna warned that any attempt to reverse or weaken devolution through what he termed an “unconstitutional clawback” of county functions would face strong opposition.

“Any unconstitutional clawback to devolution shall be strenuously resisted. A comprehensive statement shall follow,” he added.

The remarks come amid heightened political attention on relations between county governments and the National Government, particularly on the management of key functions in Nairobi. More details are expected once the contents of the State House agreement are made public.