Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged legislators and political leaders to reject violence as Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections, emphasising that peace is priceless.
Speaking at the opening of the 6th Legislative Summit of the County Assembly Forum in Mombasa, Mudavadi called on Kenyans to collectively commit to a peaceful electoral process.
“Do not be underwriters of violence going into the 2027 polls. We must unanimously agree that the elections will be peaceful,” he said, adding that a free, fair, and credible election could only be achieved in a peaceful environment.
Drawing lessons from conflict-ridden nations, Mudavadi noted that even wealthy countries with world-class infrastructure had seen their airports emptied and economies crippled by war.
“What is the value of peace? We have seen people with very big airports, but because of violence, they have become empty and unused,” he observed.
Mudavadi, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, commended the County Assemblies Forum for sustaining a platform that brings together county legislators and stakeholders to reflect on the future of devolved governance.
He described the summit’s theme — “Resilient County Assemblies: Reinforcing Representation, Legislation, and Oversight” — as timely, noting it spoke directly to the constitutional mandate of county assemblies.
Mudavadi also highlighted President William Ruto’s recent address to the Nairobi County Assembly as a historic milestone since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, calling it a testament to the current government’s commitment to devolution.
MCAs’ welfare demands during 2026 CAF Annual General Meeting
On welfare matters raised at the CAF Annual General Meeting in February 2026, Mudavadi outlined several interventions his office had undertaken, including writing to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to review MCA remuneration, requesting the National Assembly to expedite the County Assemblies Pensions Scheme Bill 2024, and pushing for faster consideration of the Intergovernmental Relations (Amendment) Bill 2024 to anchor CAF in law.
He also disclosed that his office had engaged the Controller of Budget to operationalise the County Assembly Fund, with guidelines since issued to county governments.
Mudavadi further reaffirmed that financial autonomy for county assemblies was not a matter of privilege, but a necessary condition for effective legislative independence and credible oversight.
