Referendum talk should not derail us, says DP Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday said the ongoing debate to change the Constitution should not be allowed to derail the government’s development agenda.

Ruto said the country cannot be transformed through constant calls for a constitutional change, adding that it is only through development initiatives that lives of Kenyans can be improved.

The Deputy President said they would not allow the ongoing calls for a referendum to interfere with Jubilee’s agenda for the country.

“Development will not be disrupted by the ongoing politics to change the Constitution. Kenyans want roads, hospitals, schools, hospital insurance, among other projects to improve their lives, and not politics,” he said during a tour of development projects in Vihiga County.

Accompanying the DP were MPs Charles Gimose (Hamisi), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), John Waluke (Sirisia), former Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga and former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

But at a funeral in Gidimo Primary School, Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi said although Ruto was welcome to campaign in the area, residents would not switch their allegiance.

Mudavadi was accompanied by Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi and Kibra by-election contestant Eliud Owalo, among other leaders.

“The Deputy President is hoodwinking our people with handouts, yet he is taking projects worth billions to his backyard. If he is true to his word that his visits are development oriented, then he should also bring projects worth billions to our people,” Agoi said.

Ruto said Jubilee was ready to work with all leaders irrespective of their political affiliations since it was not yet time for politics. 

“We are ready to work with all those who have been elected by the people irrespective of their ethnic and political backgrounds because development has nothing to do with political affiliations,” he said.