Former councilors in Elgeyo Marakwet County who served before the introduction of devolution in 2013 are calling on the national government to compensate them with KSh 1.5 million each as a send-off package and introduce a monthly stipend of KSh 30,000 for those who are still alive.

The former councilors, who say they number about 12,000 across the country, served in local authorities before the transition to the devolved system of government.

Speaking in Iten, the former councilors, led by Paul Chepkurui, said they served the country diligently but have waited for years for the government to act on their concerns.

The former leaders say they petitioned the Senate in 2015 over their welfare, seeking compensation for their past service as well as a monthly stipend for those who are still alive.

According to the former councilors, the Senate considered their petition and approved their concerns, including the proposed KSh 1.5 million send-off package and a monthly stipend of KSh 30,000.

However, they say years have passed without the implementation of the recommendations, leaving many of them struggling to meet their basic needs.

They say most of their former colleagues are now advanced in age and facing various challenges, including health problems and financial difficulties.

The former councilors are now appealing to President William Ruto to intervene and ensure their long-standing request is addressed.

They argue that the matter is urgent given their advanced age, saying some of those who served in local authorities before the transition to the devolved system of government have continued to wait for assistance.

They are calling on the government to honor what they describe as the Senate-approved recommendations and provide a lasting solution to their plight.

APERIT FM, HII NI YETU