Western MPs differ over party push for referendum

What you need to know:

  • While Budalangi legislator Ababu Namwamba and his Funyula counterpart Paul Otuoma said the country needs a referendum to provide solutions to key matters like runway insecurity, corruption and tribalism, Nambale legislator John Bunyasi dismissed calls for the vote as a waste of money.

Western Kenya MPs have differed over the calls for a referendum as the vote push continues to generate political heat in the region.

In Kakamega, Senator Bonni Khalwale and Matungu MP David Were clashed over the quest for the poll.

Dr Khalwale said Cord’s push to have IEBC disbanded was meant to ensure a level playground in future elections.

“We must have an impartial referee to ensure free and fair elections,” said Dr Khalwale while addressing mourners in Ikolomani constituency.
Speaking during a fundraiser in Ugunja, Mr Were said it was too early for Cord to start demanding for changes in the Constitution.

“Kenyans want to see elected leaders working for them instead of engaging in endless political gimmicks,” he said.

He said the 47 devolved governments were already receiving 40 per cent of total revenue and wondered why Cord insists on an increment of the money.
“We don’t know what other 40 per cent they are talking about since that is the allocation counties have been getting all along,” he added.

Difficult period

In Busia, three MPs speaking at different forums acknowledged that the country was undergoing a difficult period but failed to agree on the best approach to solve problems.

While Budalangi legislator Ababu Namwamba and his Funyula counterpart Paul Otuoma said the country needs a referendum to provide solutions to key matters like runway insecurity, corruption and tribalism, Nambale legislator John Bunyasi dismissed calls for the vote as a waste of money.

“Only a referendum can address problems facing Kenyans,” Mr Namwamba said during Bunyala Sub county education day.

Dr Otuoma said the Jubilee government has failed to address the challenges facing Kenyans and only the people can decide which route to take.

While addressing UDF delegates at a Busia hotel, Mr Bunyasi said it was unnecessary to call for a referendum because the process will take long and waste money.

Deputy minority leader in the National Assembly Jakoyo Midiwo, Siaya Women Rep Christine Ombaka and Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti maintained that the country needs the referendum to change sections of the Constitution “that do not favour development.”