The Calls for a referendum continue to draw mixed reactions among leaders and Kenyans at large. These referendum talks threaten to break the handshake that has brought with some much needed peace and tranquility in the country.
The referendum not only threaten’s that peace but also puts the realization of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s big 4 Agenda in doubt.
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s deputy, William Ruto has time and again voice his frustrations about the referendum and with speculations rife that it is meant to jeopardize his 2022 Presidential bid, it is well understood where the DP is coming from.
Ruto took his anti-referendum debate to Kakamega over the weekend.
The DP said that leaders should shelve premature debate on referendum and focus on creating jobs.
He said Kenyans want leaders to create jobs instead of wasting time agitating for future positions that might be created through a referendum on the Constitution.
“There is no shortage of positions in Kenya. What exists is shortage of job opportunities for Kenyans which can be addressed through implementation of the Big Four agenda,” Ruto said.
“Debates on positions and elections should not be there. We have no time to waste on debates that have no impact on the lives of Kenyans. This is an opportunity for us to focus on development.”
The DP spoke at Christ is the King Amalemba Catholic Parish in Kakamega county yesterday where he presided over a funds raiser. Ruto donated Sh2 million and said President Kenyatta sent Sh1 million.
The event was attended by Sports CS Rashid Echesa, Governor Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu), MPs Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Charles Gimose (Hamisi) and former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
On Thursday, ODM leader Raila Odinga hinted that a referendum on the Constituion will be held this year.
“This year is going to be a year of change in this country. We want to look at our governance structures and see what needs to be rectified,” he said.
“We want to change this country, and the change movement is on. Anybody who does not want to move with it will be left behind,” Raila said.
Ruto said the high cost of living and unemployment will be dealt with via implementation of the Big Four agenda: housing, manufacturing, healthcare and food security.
Are the calls for the referendum really unnecessary like Ruto and Co. put it?