This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
On July 11, 2019, ODM leader Raila Odinga met with a delegation from Taita-Taveta county to address the ongoing impasse between the county's executive and assembly members.
The dispute revolves around the 2019/20 budget, with Governor Samboja collecting signatures in support of dissolving the county.
Speaking at the meeting, Raila Odinga emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the issue, stating, 'I want to appeal with the MCAs from Taita-Taveta to agree to talks mediated by the Senate towards resolving the impasse.'
He also warned that dissolving the county should be the last option, citing the 2017 Court of Appeal ruling that kicked out lawmakers from any involvement in the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Samboja, on the other hand, has announced his plans to dissolve the county after declining to sign Sh 5.6 billion budget amended by the County Assembly.
He stated, 'As much as there is a push for dialogue, you can only push for the dialogue when both parties are sincere with each other not another party which is hiding other cards under the table.'
