CORD takes referendum push to Western Kenya

FROM LEFT: CORD leaders Raila Odinga, Sospeter Ojaamong, Moses Wetang’ula and Amos Wako at Kaluwa grounds in Teso Busia County during the Teso Cultural event. [PHOTO: CHRISPEN SECHERE/STANDARD]

KAKAMEGA: The opposition Saturday took its Okoa Kenya campaigns to Busia County with calls for members of county assembly (MCAs) to support the drive to amend the constitution through a referendum.

Speaking during the Teso cultural festival at Kaliwa Primary in Teso South, Busia County, CORD leader Raila Odinga asked ward representatives in the 47 counties to back the referendum to liberate the county from corruption and bad governance.

“There government is dogged with corruption, tribalism and bad governance. All these malpractices have tainted the country’s image. The referendum is the solution to all these evils,’’ said Raila.

The former premier noted that for devolution to succeed, more funds need to be allocated to the counties.

“The referendum agitates for the increase of monies in the counties from 15 per cent to 45 per cent. This way, counties will have enough funds to initiate development projects to boost growth,’’ the ODM leader said.

CORD co-principal and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula accused the Jubilee administration of engaging in a looting spree.

“Every sector is marred with corruption. The Jubilee government has failed to contain corruption,’’ said the Bungoma senator.

Wetang'ula echoed Raila’s call and urged MCAs to support the Okoa Kenya bill which will bring positive change in Kenya.

“I urge all MCAs to vote for the bill once it is tabled in the assemblies. We cannot remain silent and watch as the country continues to go down,’’ said Wetang'ula.

Machakos senator Johnson Muthama asked teachers to vote out the Jubilee administration in the 2017 elections because they have failed to comply with the court directive that awarded them a 50-60 pay rise.

“Teachers should keep safe their September payslips. It will be their biggest weapon to vote out a regime that has frustrated them,’’ he cautioned.

ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba criticised the government's handling of the economy.

“The country is in a state of crisis and the economy is crumbling. Anybody who sabotages education is sabotaging the future of an entire nation. Okoa Kenya is the solution to all these problems,’’ said the Budalangi MP.

ODM Chairman John Mbadi urged Kenyans to use the ballot to vote out a dysfunctional government.

“When the 2017 polls come, we will make sure we do the right thing and elect a responsible leader who can turn around the economy," he said. Homa Bay women representative Gladys Wanga said the amended constitution would empower marginalised communities like the Iteso.

On his part, Governor Sospeter Ojaamong called for unity and peace.

Other present were Busia deputy governor Kizito Wangalwa, senators James Orengo, Amos Wako and MPs Nicholas Gumbo, Florence Mutua and Christine Ombaka.