By Mandere Onyinkwa
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has called on legislators and political leaders to shun violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking when he presided over the opening ceremony of the 6th Legislative Summit of the County Assemblies Forum in Mombasa, Mudavadi said peace is priceless.
“As we head into the elections, we must shun violence. Do not be underwriters of violence going into the 2027 polls,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to commit to peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.
“I want to assure you that we will have a free, fair, and credible election. The election needs to be peaceful for that to be realized,” he added.
Mudavadi emphasized that peace holds immeasurable value, noting that even developed countries in the Middle East are beginning to appreciate its importance.
“I am not talking about the value of airports or roads. What is the value of peace? We have seen countries with world-class infrastructure rendered useless due to violence,” he said.
He commended the County Assemblies Forum for convening the summit, describing it as an important platform for dialogue, reflection, and engagement on devolved governance.
“This summit has, over time, established itself as a key space for dialogue, institutional reflection, and practical engagement on the role of County Assemblies in our constitutional order,” he said.
Mudavadi said the theme of this year’s summit, “Resilient County Assemblies: Reinforcing Representation, Legislation, and Oversight,” is timely and aligns with the constitutional mandate of county governments.
He also referenced last week’s address by President William Ruto to the Nairobi County Assembly as a historic moment since the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to devolution.
Mudavadi encouraged county assemblies to explore provisions within their Standing Orders to invite individuals to address them on critical issues.
He reiterated that devolution remains one of the most transformative pillars of Kenya’s governance, bringing services closer to the people, enhancing public participation, and strengthening accountability at the grassroots.
“The success of devolution depends not only on the transfer of functions and resources but also on the strength of institutions that uphold accountability, representation, and legislative order at the county level,” he said.
He praised Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) for their role in legislation, oversight, and representation, noting their growing confidence and vigilance in scrutinizing budgets and policies.
However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, citing concerns raised during the CAF Annual General Meeting held on February 19, 2026, at the KICC in Nairobi.