Aasai

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has defended his absence from President William Ruto’s handover of 1,080 affordable housing units in Mukuru, Nairobi, stating that housing is a devolved function and should be handled by county governments. Speaking in the Senate on May 21, Sifuna said his boycott was a protest against the national government’s “clawback” on devolved roles.

 Sifuna added that he would continue to skip future housing and market launch events led by the president, reiterating that such functions fall under county jurisdiction. “We will resist any attempt to claw back on devolution,” he said, insisting that his actions align with the spirit of the Constitution.

The senator’s remarks reflect the long-standing position of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who has frequently accused Ruto’s administration of encroaching on governors’ responsibilities. In April, Raila criticized the national government for constructing markets in Mombasa, saying such projects are strictly a county mandate.

The row highlights growing friction between the Council of Governors and lawmakers, with governors warning against efforts to centralize key development functions. Raila has also voiced opposition to proposals aimed at entrenching the CDF in the Constitution and reallocating road funds, terming the moves a direct threat to devolution.