Cord to push for referendum, Kalonzo Musyoka says

The Coalition for Reform and Democracy (Cord) will not tone down its calls for a referendum, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said.

Mr Musyoka said the coalition would not relent in their demands for the referendum until the government addresses pertinent issues that are affecting Kenyans.

“We cannot allow the country to go the Somalia way and we won’t allow the government to take us back to the dark old days. As the opposition, we want the best for Kenyans,” said the Wiper party leader.

He was speaking at Kariene Catholic Church, where he attended Sunday mass.

KENYA'S CHALLENGES

Mr Musyoka said the Jubilee administration must address the high cost of living, insecurity and other challenges facing Kenyans.

“Among the things we are pushing for is the increment of funds to the county governments from the national budget from 15 per cent to 40 per cent. We want the best for our people so that they can fully benefit from devolution,” he said.

Mr Musyoka also called on Kenyans to shun negative ethnicity.

“We must embrace forgiveness as a country. Tribalism is an ill that has infiltrated the country and it is the high time we galvanize unity amongst ourselves,” he said after making a public apology to TV reporter Kennedy Murithi, who was also present during the mass.

'TANGIBLE SOLUTIONS'

Mr Musyoka made a perceived ethnic slur against Mr Murithi a few months ago during a press conference.

Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu, who accompanied the former Vice President, cited the high cost of living and insecurity as some of the challenges facing Kenyans and which would have to be dealt with.

Mr Mutambu said he and his colleagues would only stop pushing for a referendum when their demands and those of Kenyans were met.

“All leaders should and must respect each other. Only until such a time will the political temperatures cool down. The Jubilee government must offer tangible solutions to the problems that have bedevilled this country,” he said.