Deputy President William Ruto has strongly condemned politicians campaigning for the 2022 presidential elections warning them against putting the country into an election mode.
The DP further added saying that it is wrong to talk about some issues which are likely to divide the country along tribal lines and hence lose track on the development agenda set by the government.
While speaking at Umau stadium in Mbeere South, Embu County Mr Ruto told Kenyans to avoid politicians keen on gaining mileage by escalating issues of national interest.
The DP was speaking as he attended a ceremony where he issued 12,000 title deeds for Gichiche, Riachina and Wachoro adjudication areas.
“Political competition ended long time ago and what is important is to deliver on development projects. Don’t agree to be divided by politicians who don’t have any development track record and are only interested in politics between elections.
In addition he said, “The government belongs to all of us whether you voted for us or not. Umeona hata yule mtu wa kitendawili sasa tunafanya na yeye (you have seen that even the opposition chief Raila Odinga is working with us).”
Leaders who accompanied Mr Ruto called on the pro-referendum proponents to reveal the areas they want changed so that Kenyans can interrogate them and make an informed decision.
According to Embu Senator Njeru Ndwiga, leaders in Jubilee government are not afraid of referendum but warned a section of politicians whom he accused of exploiting the call to change the Constitution for personal gain.
“Those who want the referendum (should know) we want it more. They should bring their questions and we give ours. We know the problems the government is facing. I was there in the clamour for the current Constitution. We don’t want people who think they own the Constitution, the Constitution is ours,” he said.
Jubilee deputy chief whip Cecily Mbarire said women are afraid that they could lose the gains they have made in the Constitution and called for an open debate on the proposed changes.
In her statement she said, “People should tell us what they want changed in the Constitution. They should come to members of public and ask for their views. We don’t want people to come with a predetermined question. We want an all-inclusive process.”
Manyatta MP John Muchiri warned against changing the Constitution with the sole aim of creating political seats for some people.
Mr Ruto explained that some roads were abandoned after the government diverted Sh13 billion meant for the projects to fund the 2017 repeat presidential election.