Blow for Raila as another ODM Governor Opposes Referendum Calls

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Turkana governor Josephat Nanok has opposed the amendment of the Constitution to create new posts in the executive

Nanok, who is also the Council of Governors chairman, said he will only support the referendum if it will increase money allocated to the counties from 15 to 45 per cent.

“I have heard some leaders saying they want the position of Prime Minister created. They also suggest the reduction of the number of parastatals and removal of the position of county commissioner.”

“I will only support the referendum if it is about more resources to counties,” Nanok said during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Lodwar.

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The governor said it is too early to change the Constitution after six years of devolution. “We cannot tell whether devolution has worked or not. Let’s stop this habit of rushing to change the Constitution. Let us not change what is already working,” he said.

Nanok said together leaders in Turkana, they will stand for what is right for the people.He said during the course of the week, the CoG will give a stand on the debate. Nanok said he will oppose any proposals aimed at killing devolution.

The debate of whether or not to change the Constitution has been raging on since President Uhuru Kenya and Opposition leader Raila Odinga buried the hatchet with their March 9 handshake.

Opposition supporters back the proposal for inclusivity in representation. But in other quarters, the idea is loathed.

Turkana governor Josphat Nanok addresses residents during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Lodwar on October 20, 2018. /HESBORN ETYANG 2018

On Friday last week, Raila and Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli said constitutional changes are unstoppable. The leaders said a review of the Constitution promulgated in 2010 will ensure good governance.

But opponents of the plan say it is a plot by some politicians to get positions through the back door. On October 12, Deputy President William Ruto termed the ongoing debate about the proposed referendum as pure idle talk.

Ruto said it is unfortunate that many leaders are focused on the referendum issue and have forgotten about services to wananchi.

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