Ruto tells off CORD over calls for referendum

By JAMES MUNYEKI

Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto has told off politicians calling for a referendum to determine how the president will be elected in the future.

Ruto the calls coming just four months after Kenyans went to the ballot are ploys to frustrate the new government.

He said it is a shame that Cord leaders are engaging in unnecessary debates instead of serving Kenyans.

“This is time to serve the nation and not engage in petty politics. We cannot start another campaign just after we held the General Election,” he said.

He said the public is not ready for a referendum and asked Kenyans to ignore the calls.

He said Cord leaders are hell-bent on frustrating the Government’s activities especially on devolution, adding such efforts are uncalled for.

“We want service delivery and not calls for another referendum. Kenyans are tired of elections and thus should ignore this call by the opposition to destabilise us,” said Ruto.

Speaking at Turbo Hill Catholic church in Nyahururu, the deputy President said leaders in the opposition are determined to use devolution to the fight the Jubilee administration.

He said the government is committed to disbursing about 32 per cent of its funds to the county governments, adding this is a clear indication that it is committed to devolution.

He said calls for a referendum would jeopardise development agenda, saying the government is still young.

Jubilee leaders at the ceremony, led by Kieni MP Kanini Kega and his Ol Jororok counterpart JM Waiganjo, echoed Ruto’s sentiments.

They asked Kenyans to shun CORD calls and instead focus on meaningful issues. “Let them talk as we go on with our development agenda. We will support our president until he finishes his term as and delivers his promises,” said Kanini.

Others at the ceremony were Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Nyandarua Deputy Governor Waithaka Mwangi among other MPs for Jubilee.