Referendum was not budgeted for and Constitution must transition, says Kindiki Kithure

Kericho Senator Charles Keter (left) and Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki at ACK ST. Thomas Church Amagoro in Busia County. [PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA/STANDARD]

BUSIA COUNTY: A referendum has not been budgeted for and the questions being proposed are unrealistic, Jubilee leaders have said.

Speaking at St Thomas ACK Church in Amagoro, Busia County, where they were hosted by Area MP Arthur Odera during a funds drive, Senate Majority leader Kindiki Kithure, Senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Charles Keter (Kericho) claimed that those advocating for a plebiscite are not honest.

“We have not allocated any cash in this year’s budget to meet such demands because it’s an expensive exercise. The referendum should not disrupt the development plans that we have as a Government,’’ said Prof Kindiki.

He said the Constitution must be given a transition period before rushing to make any amendments.

“This is not the right time for the referendum. We shall discuss what to change when the time is right and people’s lives cannot be transformed through a referendum. They expect good infrastructure and health services,’’ he said.

Kindiki said referendum calls may force Senate and the National Assembly to reduce funds allocated in the budget for infrastructure, health and education.

Mr Keter said referendum calls are being pushed by individuals who voted ‘Yes’ for the Constitution, adding that they have their own selfish agenda.

“The constitutional mandate for leaders is to serve all citizens whether you voted yes or no. A referendum will require Sh8 billion to conduct, where will the cash come from? We cannot be politicking for the entire five years. We just conducted elections last year. Jubilee Government is now focused on what we promised Kenyans which is service delivery,’’ said keter.

The senators asked governors to account for the money they were allocated in the last financial year before demanding for increment.

Mr Murkomen said governors have failed to be accountable on how funds were used, an issue that is making them object to senators chairing County Development Funds boards.

“Senate is determined in ensuring devolution works and governors should be accountable for what we have allocated to them in the past year before demanding for more funds. We don’t want ‘Pesa Mashinani (money at the grassroot)’ but maendeleo mashinani (development at the grassroots),’’ he said.

He added: “Lazima tuseme ukweli hapa. Pesa ikiongezwa lazima pia ushuru itaongezeka, (We should be honest here, if funds are increased, then tax must also increase).

He said Senate intends to increase allocation to over Sh250 billion in the next financial year stressing that governors should not think the House is opposed to devolution.