Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has strongly criticized President William Ruto’s administration over the implementation of the e-Government Procurement (EGP) system, which he says has crippled service delivery in counties.
Speaking in Syandoo, Mavindini, a visibly frustrated Governor Mutula said counties have been unable to procure goods and services since the beginning of the 2025/2026 financial year on July 1.
“We must stand firm as Counties. As we speak today, no county has procured anything because of the EGP system. The first quarter is nearly over, and the Controller of Budget will write a report showing zero absorption. You can’t even buy a pen,” Mutula said.
He drew parallels between the eCitizen platform and the new EGP system, arguing that if the national e-services portal is still struggling, there’s little hope that the procurement platform can function effectively. He accused the national government of undermining devolution.
“They say Governors are corrupt, that’s why they don’t want the EGP, Kenyans elected Governors who are their presidents so that they can do the work for them. You have no business controlling counties; concentrate on National issues, let oversight and audit offices do their work. That is the way to do this; we won’t go back to the Moi days.”Mutula added.
The governor also addressed ODM leader Raila Odinga, rejecting recent proposals to merge counties to cut costs. He insisted that devolution was a constitutional choice by Kenyans and should not be tampered with.
“Even Raila should be told—Kenyans voted for 47 counties. The resources we have are enough to support even more counties if they stop stealing and building fake systems. Makueni can’t be merged with Machakos and Kitui. Raila, forget merging counties.”
He urged legislators and leaders across the country to defend devolution and speak up for the autonomy of county governments.
