Methodist Church tells CORD to drop calls for 'ill-timed' referendum

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) has rejected calls for a national referendum by the Opposition coalition.

The Church, through Presiding Bishop Rev Joseph Ntombura, termed Coalition for Reforms and Democracy's (CORD) demand as ill-timed and causing unnecessary political tension.

The cleric who spoke Sunday during an ordination ceremony at the MCK Ruaraka Church said it was wrong for politicians to subject Kenyans to an early campaign mood.

“A referendum is definitely not what we need at the moment. Politics that swings from referendum to election campaigns all year round is completely misplaced,” he said.

Ntombura said CORD, being the "government-in-waiting", should show some responsibility and political maturity which can earn them Kenyans' confidence.

“We would like to see our politicians being more responsible and constructive since a responsible opposition would definitely make a responsible government,” he said.

“What surprises me this time is the way some of our politicians and leaders are criss-crossing counties campaigning for things that are out of season. We will have time for elections when such issues can be expressed, but not now," he added.

Ntombura said the Jubilee Government has the mandate of Kenyans and should be given time to deliver the promises it made during campaigns.

He warned that unless Kenyans unite to fight the common enemies of ethnicity and corruption, the country will be taking a wrong and unfortunate route, which will impact negatively on national cohesion and economic growth.

“Everybody should work hard to fight these enemies. With a peaceful environment and good infrastructure, the vices can be overcome easily,” he said.

He noted that all efforts being fronted and seen to go against the national development agenda are doomed to fail.

On the state of national security, Ntombura reminded Kenyans that Kenya belongs to God and no other power can override that.

He called for restraint amongst communities, especially in the Coastal region where there has been a spate of merciless killings in Lamu County.

“Kenyans should team up to preach unity and pray for our nation. This will give the Government an opportunity to deliver because it is capable," he said.

Last week, during the Saba Saba rally, CORD dropped calls for national dialogue and demanded for a referendum to address issues affecting Kenyans, which they say the State is unable to tackle or has ignored.

The rival coalition presented a 13-point resolution that included their latest demand for a referendum.