MPs oppose Karua's move

Just a day after the Opposition, CORD, teamed up with Narc Kenya and the Kenya National Congress parties in the push for a referendum, some Jubilee-allied MPs have opposed the move.

Laikipia West MP Wachira Karani said leaders cannot be perpetually involved in politicking.

"A referendum is nothing but politics and since we have just come from a General Election, we cannot afford to enter into another political duel under the guise of a referendum," said Mr Karani.

Even as the MP made the statement, Narc Kenya Leader Martha Karua, who on Wednesday joined CORD's bandwagon in the push for a referendum, sat still during the funeral service of former Ndia MP James Kibicho, 70.

Karani said Kenyans cannot afford to engage in never-ending politics at the expense of development.

"We in the Jubilee coalition are willing to talk and I am sure we shall agree on the contentious issues without taking us through the retrogressive route at the expense of political and economic stability," he said.

Karani said Kenyans gave the Jubilee administration a five-year term, and since it (Jubilee) has only been in office for less than two years, it would be wrong for anyone to call for a referendum.

"Instead of this hullabaloo, all those who lost in their presidential bids should concede defeat and agree to work with the Government of the day," he told mourners.

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Speaking at the funeral service held at Kabonge Anglican Church, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Winnie Njuguna backed Karani's views, saying those calling for a referendum should give President Uhuru Kenyatta time to discharge his constitutional mandate.

Ms Karua said despite the defeat in last year's General Election, she has no regrets since she had served Gichugu people for four consecutive terms as their MP.

"I asked for the CEO's job of this nation but you declined, but I must say that if you are holding the top job and you don't talk to others, you are digging your own grave," she said.

Governor Joseph Ndathi described Kibicho as an astute lawyer and a steadfast politician, who put public interest above his own.

Mr Ndathi said even after he beat Kibicho for the gubernatorial seat last year, he did not show any bitterness or any kind of hatred, unlike other political losers.

Kibicho was among the first batch of 15 lawyers to train at the Kenya School of Law in 1965, just after the country attained independence.