Deputy President William Ruto has told leaders who do not want to account for public resources and are using the push for a referendum as a cover-up to resign.
He said some governors allied to the Government who are pressing for a national vote had audit queries on resources allocated to their counties and had declined to account for the same.
"If you want to serve in this Government and you're not ready to be accountable, pack your bag and go," said the DP.
Addressing faithful during the official opening and dedication of AIC Gathiriga in Kiambu County's Gatundu South Constituency, the Deputy President said the Government is determined to ensure openness and accountability.
Ruto added that the State was firm on matters of accountability and will not negotiate with any leader who is not ready to do so.
"Accountability is not something requested of us but it is a demand of the Constitution and of the people of Kenya. Accountability is not about political power, it is about what the Constitution expects of all leaders, irrespective of our political affiliation.
"We want to tell every leader in the Opposition and in the government that all of us must be accountable in accordance with our laws," he said.
Ruto said leaders in the previous regime who will be found to have misappropriated public funds, irrespective of their positions, will be probed and charged.
Dismissing CORD leader Raila Odinga's claims that the Jubilee administration misappropriated public funds, Ruto said: "Those who were there then must prepare themselves to account for the funds as we ask of every leader in the national and county governments to be accountable for the resources put at their disposal."
He told Opposition leaders that they will neither distract the State from its resolve to demand for liability for all public funds nor will they slow down the development agenda.
Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, Kiambu Senator Kimani wa Matangi and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria said referendum calls were about the 2017 General Election.
"Kenyans should know that there are no genuine calls for a referendum. The Opposition wants to test its political strength and that of the Government ahead of the next General Election. This is about politics not the Constitution," said Kindiki.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join