Senator Olekina: MCAs call for ward development fund is illegal, out of their mandate

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has dismissed calls from Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) for a ward development fund to carry out their duties.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Day Break program on Tuesday, the senator termed the fund illegal, adding that the work of MCAs does not need such a kitty.

“The MCAs believe that they should be given something called Ward Development Fund to carry out their job. That fund is illegal, your work is to legislate and not to carry out the work of a governor,” said Olekina.

Meru County MCAs are among those who have been pushing for a ward development fund. The fund caused a row between them and Governor Kawira Mwangaza, which ended in a meeting summoned by controller of budget Dr.Margaret Nyakang'o where the MCAs were informed that the ward fund is illegal.

The MCAs ended the tussle and vowed to concentrate on their constitutional roles of oversight, legislation, and representation.

According to Senator Olekina, Kenyans need to be informed of the mandates of an MCA to avoid conflict over duties they think should be handled by the ward representatives.

“We need to explain to the people on the ground so that they do not demand so much from the MCAs,” said the senator.