Daniel Moi dismisses referendum push as 'selfish'

Former President Daniel arap Moi on Thursday dismissed opposition leaders calls for a national referendum.

He said the initiative is driven by the selfish interests of a few politicians.

Mr Moi, in a statement to newsrooms, urged the Jubilee government to concentrate on pressing problems affecting Kenyans and ignore calls for a referendum.

“Kenyans have gone through two grueling referenda and a general election that was held last year. They need to rest and refocus on investments,” he said.

The former President, who ruled for 24 years, said the government needs time and resources to address insecurity, poverty and unemployment.

“The proposed referendum is an unnecessary financial burden on the Kenyan taxpayer and the real motive of the referendum in not public-driven but selfish,” he said.

Opposition leaders are pushing for a national referendum on increasing budgetary allocations to counties, addressing the high cost of living and runaway insecurity and disbanding the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.