Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi believes President William Ruto is on the verge of making history by reconstituting a leaner and more effective government to revive Kenya’s economy. Speaking during a panel discussion on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show on Friday, Omondi advised the President to reduce the number of county governors from 47 to 24, aiming to cut public expenditure and manage the ballooning wage bill.
Omondi drew comparisons with the state of Texas in the United States, which is geographically larger than Kenya but governed by a single governor. “We need a lean government. President Ruto could be the biggest winner of the Gen Z revolution because he’s been given an opportunity to do what the people want,” Omondi stated.
“I might be the only person who has the moral authority to say what I have to say because I have been arrested 13 times and my message has never changed. We need a very lean government. I would even suggest, Mr. President, take your time, and when you’re ready, we need to cut down on the number of counties and governors from 47 to 24.”
Omondi also criticized the role of Woman Representatives, especially their silence on a controversial clause in the Finance Bill 2024 that proposed taxing sanitary pads. “How could we have a clause in the Finance Bill 2024 that taxes pads and we have 47 woman reps? They couldn’t hold a forum or maandamano against it? What are they representing? Do we need woman reps? The President needs to do away with people who need to be done away with. He started by dissolving the Cabinet. I know he will fire all the parastatal heads. He needs to fire the Inspector General of Police today,” Omondi remarked.
According to the Constitution, governors can be removed from office for violating the Constitution, engaging in criminal activities, abuse of office, or physical or mental incapacity to perform their functions. However, reducing the number of county governors would require altering the structure established by the Constitution. This process would be initiated through a parliamentary initiative and likely necessitate a referendum for the amendment to pass.
Eric Omondi’s bold suggestions come at a time when the nation is closely watching President Ruto’s next moves following his recent dissolution of the Cabinet, as he seeks to streamline government operations and address administrative inefficiencies.