A row has erupted between Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka and county representatives over revenue collection. This was after the reps moved to stop the county government from collecting revenue until the Finance Bill is passed by the County Assembly. The lawmakers led by Leader of Majority Majimbo Okumu and Chairman of Finance Committee John Nanyakha have been mobilising traders in the county to stop paying revenue to the county government. Mr Nanyakha Thursday said revenue collection in Bungoma Town, Lugulu and Mianga markets had been paralysed, they intend to move to Chwele — the largest fresh produce market in Western Province. “We want the law to be followed to the letter,” he said. County Assembly Speaker John Makali told the Nation that revenue ought to be collected in accordance with section 132 of the Public Finance Management Act. The section says the county government should present to the County Assembly a policy statement stating its revenue raising measures not later than 90 days after the Appropriation Bill (Budget) has been passed. The Budget was passed on June 28. “The standoff should be blamed on the laxity on the part of the Executive to bring the bill on time,” said Mr Okumu. He said it was not clear when the Assembly would reconvene, and added that Revenue collection would remain paralysed until the bill is passed. “We do not want to be part of any illegality and that is why we have moved to sensitize the public,” he said. All the County Assemblies across the county have adjourned indefinitely as reps push for higher pay. Mr Lusaka has termed stoppage of revenue collection as an economic sabotage engineered by political forces. He has threatened to call for the arrest of county reps found inciting traders against paying revenue, saying it is a criminal offence. The governor ordered revenue collection officers to ensure they meet their targets. “You must ensure you collect revenue as expected. How do some people expect to earn salaries at the end of the month without the revenue being collected?” he said. But the county representatives have dared him to make good his threats to arrest them. “Its unfortunate that the governor, after failing to comply with the law, has now resorted to threatening to arrest members of the County Assembly for enlightening the public on their rights,” said Mr Okumu.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 02:38:27 +0000
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