By Rushdie Oudia
Sunday, August 3rd 2014Though it has softened its stand on the plebiscite, the ruling coalition also appears to be scheming to amend a clause in the Constitution that will lock out two CORD principals, Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, from contesting the presidency in 2017.
The National Alliance (TNA) Party Secretary General Onyango Oloo said an age limit of 65 for presidential contenders would be among the issues Jubilee would table for Kenyans to decide on in the referendum.
He, however, stated that the Jubilee coalition still feels the Constitution is a sacrosanct document that should not be changed at will.
“We are not afraid of a referendum, if that is what Kenyans want. That is why we will present what we think is good for Kenyans,” said Oloo.
Speaking in Kisumu at the Agricultural Society of Kenya Show, Oloo said the Jubilee coalition is consulting widely on the referendum issue, and will soon communicate the progress.
Disappointed
CORD had settled on three issues that they will put up for the referendum, among them being disbanding of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and increasing county funding by at least 40 per cent.
Suba MP John Mbadi said the age limit threat has been issued many times, and did not come as a surprise. He described such an age limit on the presidency as ‘myopic and shameful’ thinking.
“You cannot legislate laws that target an individual; the time for such has passed,” said Mbadi.
And Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma pointed out that the country has been led by presidents older than 65.
Mbadi said Kenyans are so disappointed in Jubilee’s young leadership that they would throw such a debate out.
“Countries are led by mind, brains and soul, and not age,” he added.
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