By Stephen Mkawale
Sunday, July 27th 2014 |
These URP legislators from right, senators Charles Keter,Isaac Meli and Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi perhaps had to consult to agree on the topics one would intend to speak about when given chance by their party leader and also deputy President William Ruto. They were spotted sharing views at Kabirer Primary School in Nandi County on Saturday. Pictures y Peter Ochieng. |
Rift Valley, Kenya: The vote-rich Rift Valley region is not keen on the push to hold a national referendum on any issue and some of its leaders have told the Opposition, who are the proponents of the plebiscite, as much.
Last week, former Cabinet Minister Franklin Bett told the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) that it was too early to subject Kenyans to a divisive campaign over issues that could otherwise be settled through dialogue.
Mr Bett said some of the issues CORD wants tackled would be addressed when the the Constitution that was only promulgated three years ago is fully implemented.
The former Roads minister in the Grand Coalition Government who supported CORD leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in the last elections said a pre-referendum campaign would divide the region along ethnic lines.
“Rift Valley, like the Coast, is cosmopolitan. Most Kalenjin will go with Deputy President William Ruto,” said Bett
CORD announced that it would collect one million signatures as required by law to pave way for a referendum to address issues it says is afflicting the country and which it insists the Government is either unable to tackle or has ignored.
Bett said although CORD could easily collect the signatures it requires, the calls for a referendum were premature. “Although the push for a referendum is as a result of refusal by Jubilee to dialogue with the Opposition, the move is a misplaced at this time,” said Bett who however acknowledged that Jubilee's support in the region could waver over grievances by voters over unfulfilled elections pledges.
Other Jubilee MPs and Senators from the region said the referendum idea would be a hard-sell in Rift Valley. Kericho Senator Charles Keter said they would focus on development and leave the politicking to CORD.
“Jubilee is transforming its post-election agenda. We have decided to put development ahead of politics and that is how we are going to move forward,” said Keter, and added: “We have asked the President and his deputy to ignore the referendum call.”
Keter also took issue with a call by the Council of Governors to call for its own referendum to push for more funding for counties and noted that funds allotted to counties had been increased well above what the law required.
County funds
“In the current financial year, there has been an additional Sh36 billion and we will increase the amount gradually,” said Keter.
The Kericho senator proposed that if a national referendum is to be held, it should be held alongside the 2017 General Election.
“The referendum can be held during the next election so that Kenyans vote on the issues. This will be killing two birds with one stone,” said the senator.
“CORD is not sincere in its push for a referendum. It is trying to intimidate the Government to disband IEBC, but we are telling them that if a soccer team loses a match, it can sack the coach and not the referee,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso also opposed the referendum call and said: “Jubilee has been in government for slightly over one year and its only three years after the promulgation of the Constitution. There is nothing drastic to warrant a referendum.”
MPs Benjamin Langat (Anaimoi), Patrick Ntutu (Narok West), Moitalel Ole Kenta (Narok North) Moses Sakuda (Kajiado West), Paul Bii (Chepalungu) and Ken kiloku (Narok East) said the region would oppose CORD’s referendum call because it is designed to undermine the President and his deputy.
“The Constitution has not been implemented fully. This is an attempt by a few individuals to gain power,” said Ntutu.
“Raila had said Parliament would amend the grey areas because he was sure he would become president. To turn around and tell us to go for a referendum is unacceptable. Referenda are expensive. There are institutions that can address the issues that they have raised,” said Bii.
Kenta and Sakuda said though Kenyans might have a few issues with the Constitution, the drivers of the process have ulterior motives.
“The law clear states that the management of the country is within the mandate of the Executive. Rift Valley will oppose referendum calls because they have borne the brunt of tribal hostilities. As leaders we want the region to remain peaceful,” said Kenta.
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