More leaders oppose referendum

FROM LEFT: Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulaal, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Baringo South MP Grace Kipchoim and Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu join Yatoi Women dancers during the official launch of inter-county livestock vaccination programme in Marigat, Baringo. [PHOTO: JOSEPH KIPSANG/STANDARD]

Laikipia; Kenya: Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has advised residents against supporting referendum calls by the Council of Governors and the Opposition.

Mr Irungu, who broke ranks with the governors supporting the plebiscite said referendum crusaders should first account for funds allocated to counties in their first term before demanding for more.

Governor Irungu cautioned Laikipia residents against signing documents in support of the referendum.

Irungu, who was accompanied by Nyandarua Assembly Speaker Ndegwa Wahome and his Laikipia counterpart Patrick Mariru, observed that though the counties needed more money, the time was not right.

“Don’t sign any referendum forms now, as it is uncalled for. Let us concentrate on our day-to-day activities as leaders continue to engage the national government on this matter,” he said.

They spoke at Gatero Girls Secondary School in Laikipia, during a funds drive to build a modern dormitory for the school. More than Sh7.5 million was raised.

He at the same time called for dialogue between the Government, the Opposition and the governors to address the challenges Kenyans are facing.

“There is need for both the national and county governments to work together in order to solve the problems facing this country,” said Irungu.

Mariru observed that unless leaders embraced consultation, the bickering among them will continue, and they will end up not fulfilling their mandate to the electorate.

“It is unfortunate that leaders have failed to work together and instead, opt to affirm their positions through antagonism. This country will not progress if Kenyans refuse to embrace dialogue,” he said.

Wahome commended governors who have disowned the referendum calls, saying that more money could be disbursed to the counties even without having to change the Constitution.

He suggested that the Committee of Experts, which spearheaded the formulation of the Constitution, be engaged once more to resolve the issues raised by the referendum proponents.

“An audit on all counties must be carried out to establish if governors utilised their monies well, before they are allocated more funds,” Wahome said.