Elders forum opposes referendum

By Eric Lungai

VIHIGA, KENYA: The Luhya Elders Forum has said that there is no need of a referendum to amend the constitution at this time because it will be expensive for the people and a waste of time.

Led by the chairperson of the group, Mr Patrick Wangamati, the elders said that at this time, the country should focus more on nation building after the rigorous exercise of the last general election.

“Probably, most people in the country are not ready for a referendum and the leaders who are calling for a referendum should think twice first before calling for it,” said Wangamati.

He was addressing journalists at Wodanga ward in Vihiga County after the elders paid a courtesy to former Vihiga Constituency MP Peter Kibisu at his home.

He was accompanied by his vice Mr Burudi Nabwera, Secretary Peter Ludava, and other members Philip Masinde, Francis Chogo, Henry Wamubayi, among other elders.

The umbrella body overlooks the councils of elders drawn from various sub-tribes in the western region.

They asked the government to protect devolution by channeling more money to the counties to avoid hitches and blame games that have ensued among leaders.

“The constitution is still young and we believe that it can easily be amended if the MPs are given time to streamline the few clauses that are questionable,” said Mr Ludava.

They asked the Commission that is tasked with interpreting and implementing the constitution to help the people understand it better so that they are not rushed into decisions that they do not understand.

The elders said that they had started on a programme of visiting the elderly members of the society who are ailing at their homes.

“We want to bond with the former prominent persons who helped the community by sacrificing their lives in one way or the other. The elderly have been neglected for a long time and it is not a good sign,” said Wangamati.