ODM leaders split on push for referendum

Some ODM leaders from Nyanza and Western regions have opposed the push by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) for a national referendum.

Although a majority of politicians from the regions support of the push, some have, however, expressed fear that the move could hit a dead end.

CORD is fronting a national referendum to "heal" the challenges affecting the country, a decision the coalition reached on July 7 after the Government failed to hold a national dialogue with the opposition.

But Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno and Migori Governor Okoth Obado have urged CORD to change tact to achieve the desired results.

And Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka Kenyans are suffering from electioneering fatigue and that they need time to heal.

Onyonka scoffed at ODM threats to punish errant members who do not support the party's course, saying he was "ready to seek a new mandate because I cannot be intimidated to support what I do not agree with."

Although he termed CORD's concerns as genuine, he said the challenges could be addressed by both Jubilee and CORD members in Parliament.

"The Jubilee MPs have agreed that together we can amend the laws to bring solutions to the problems raised," he said.

Lugari MP Ayub Savula has also questioned the timing for the referendum as some of his fellow politicians from the Luhya community, including former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende and former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo who opposed the Saba Saba rally, are yet to declare their stand.

Otieno said a referendum would be an exercise in futility, further warning that it could ignite ethnic tension.

And Obado urged the opposition to adopt a new approach, rather than a referendum, in order to unite all Kenyans.

"We must seek a way of engaging the Government on this important issue because it requires overwhelming support from all Kenyans," he said.

But Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura said the push for a referendum was unstoppable, saying it was the only way to salvage the country from the challenges bedevilling it.

"CORD is seeking to provide a new direction to the country because we are not pleased with the runaway insecurity and high cost of living," he said.