Kenya: The Catholic Church has faulted the push for a national referendum, and described the ongoing political bickering as a recipe for chaos.
The head of the Catholic Church in Kenya, John Cardinal Njue, on Saturday pointed out that the country’s religious fraternity, specifically the Catholic, had vehemently opposed certain provisions of the Constitution that are now being contested by proponents of the referendum.
“A scenario where leaders pull from different directions is unhealthy for the county,” the cardinal warned.
Gachoka MP Mutava Musyimi similarly took a swipe at the referendum proponents, terming their clamour merely driven by desire to remain relevant in politics.
“While we can understand their desire, it is difficult to comprehend the newly found unity with governors, who should instead be preoccupied with the need to demonstrate what they have done with the funds devolved to their respective counties,” the MP said.
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In a bid to drive up support for the referendum in the counties, governors have started a campaign dubbed ‘Pesa Mashinani (money at the grassroots)’, while the Opposition CORD (Coalition for Reforms and Democracy) have dubbed their hunt for five million signatures ‘Okoa Kenya (save Kenya)’
But Musyimi, who is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Budget Committee, was emphatic that the current budgetary provisions cannot cater for the Sh80 billion required by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to hold a national referendum.
“There can never be a logistical justification to spend such a huge amount, barely one and a half years after a general election, while the majority of Kenyans are languishing in abject poverty,” he said.
SIDE SHOWS
The two leaders spoke at Mutuobare Catholic Church in Embu County, during the inauguration of Pandua Catholic Parish. Also present were area Governor Martin Wambora, his deputy, Dorothy Nditi, Women Representative Rose Mitaaru and Bishop Paul Kariuki of the Embu See.
Musyimi said contrary to concerns being raised by the governors, the budget committee had allocated the equivalent of 43 per cent of the national audited and approved accounts to the county governments during the last financial year.
“This financial year, we have allocated them 20 per cent of the Sh1.81 trillion national budget.”
The legislator advised the governors to avoid treating Kenyans to side shows and instead concentrate on service delivery.
