Deputy President William Ruto decision to support the push for a referendum to amend the constitution has been welcomed as a positive gesture toward a contest-free referendum, but ODM leader Mr Raila Odinga allies have asked him desist from issuing conditions.
While leaders in Western and Rift Valley are divided over the push for a plebiscite, the DP’s change of heart came as Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka rooted for an uncontested referendum.
Rutos about-turn on the referendum debate has been seen as part of a political strategy he has put in place to stay ahead of the competition in his bid to succeed President Kenyatta in 2022.
National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed Sunday welcomed the DP’s change of tune but described as “irrelevant” conditions his allies have given in exchange to fully support the amendment to the supreme law.
“Mr Ruto change of tune is fine. We thank him for seeing the light and leaving the devil’s chapel but we want his allies to desist from making demands. They either support the initiative or they don’t,” Mr Mohamed said. “The conditions are irrelevant because what is important is what is good for the people.”
Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen had said during a public rally in Elgeyo Marakwet he supported calls for a referendum but with conditions.
My take on matters referendum! pic.twitter.com/MKFdh75rib
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) October 7, 2018
“We don’t fear referendum or an election. Should the president and his deputy summon us for a meeting as legislators to communicate to us that we abandon the Big Four Agenda and go for a referendum we will support it,” said Mr Murkomen.
“But should the referendum be called, we will not support a referendum which will make us as Elgeyo-Marakwet County go back to Nakuru yet devolution has brought services closer to the people.”
On Sunday, the DP maintained that he has no problem with the reforms to the constitution so long as they are aimed at reducing the burden on Kenyans. Mr Ruto said that those planning the plebiscite should know that Kenyans were not interested in creating positions for leaders but in development.
“Let the group talking about reduction of seats work with those for creation of positions and come up with the question for the referendum. But if they think they will create positions, we are telling them to forget,” he said. The DP was addressing congregants on Sunday at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa, Kithaku, Meru county during a fundraiser.
“Telling us that the referendum was agreed upon under the handshake is lying and conmanship. Saying that the referendum is a must, is dictatorship,” Mr Ruto said.