Archbishop Eliud Wabukala opposes referendum calls by CORD and Governors

Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Eliud Wabukala. [PHOTO: FILE/ STANDARD]

BUNGOMA COUNTY: Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Eliud Wabukala has opposed the referendum call by the Coalition of Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and the governors saying that it is a waste of time and resources.

The clergy said that the leaders calling for a plebiscite are insincere and are only fighting for their own interests.

Speaking during the official opening of Malinda ACK church in Bumula Sub-County, Wabukala cautioned Kenyans against appending their signatures in the call for the referendum adding that the election period is long gone.

"The general election was conducted and the Jubilee government won and I am therefore calling for the opposition to stop calling for a referendum and wait until 2017 for them to convince Kenyans to elect them but for now let us engage in development talks,” said the clergy.

He urged the governors to look for the best way to address the Pesa Mashinani issue instead of using the referendum.

"Calling for the plebiscite will only derail development because it will put the country in an election mood, the opposition should analyse their stand if it actually benefits Kenyans or it's only for the individual benefits," said Wabukala.

On governors, Wabukala said that their referendum call is unwarranted and asked them to solve issues affecting them using alternative means.

"We understand that counties have been underfunded but the government has promised to address that issue, let all the governors terminate the referendum call and engage the national government with sobriety for their plights to be addressed.

Present were Bungoma diocese ACK Bishop George Mechumo, Katakwa's Zakayo Epus and their Mumias counterpart Beneah Salala.

Former Kanduyi Member of Parliament Alfred Khang'ati differed with Wabukala saying that Kenyans need to change the constitution through the referendum for the plight facing them to be addressed conclusively.

"Those opposed to the CORD call for a referendum do not have the suffering Kenyans interest at heart, lets support CORD for the better future of this country," said Khang'ati.