The MP’s who on Raila’s side have accepted the Deputy President support on the call for the referendum. But the leaders told Mr. Ruto to join the campaign for constitutional amendment without issuing of orders and conditions.
The DP’s change of heart came as Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka rooted for an uncontested referendum, while leaders in Western and Rift Valley are divided over the push for a plebiscite.
Mr Ruto on Saturday made an about-turn on the referendum debate in what observers say is part of a raft of political strategies he has put in place to stay ahead of the competition in his bid to succeed President Kenyatta in the 2022 presidential elections.
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.”
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.
According to the report released by auditor general is suggested that Kenya could not run a bicameral system instead some positions should be slashed . The current wage bill is too high that Kenyans are not able to sustain it.The team recommended the reduction of the number of MPs and MCAs by half without compromising national values on diversity, protection of vulnerable groups, and the marginalised, and equality regarding gender.
It also recommended that presidential candidates be allowed to run for another position, massive retrenchment in the civil service to ease the wage bill and the review of academic qualifications for legislative seats.
Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula said that before leaders engage in debate on the referendum, Kenyans should first be involved on what needs to be changed.Mr Mudavadi said the Independent Electorate and Boundaries (IEBC) should first be reconstituted before Kenyans think of a referendum. He said politicians are subjecting Kenyans to a campaigning mood without spelling out what needs to be changed in the law.
Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya castigated leaders who are opposed to amending the constitution for fear of losing their positions arguing that reforms was gaining momentum because Kenyans are undergoing harsh economic times.
He said the Council of Governors is supporting the amendment debate so that it can reorganise the governance structure for a more efficient system.
Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa agreed with the ANC leader on IEBC and urged the President to constitute a selection panel to recruit new commissioner.
This series of leaders joining in the call for referendum while the President , Uhuru Kenyatta has remained silent considering the issue but warned the politician against engaging themselves in divisive politics that will take back the country to the state it was after the 2018 presidential elections.