CORD spoils for a fight with Jubilee on referendum push in Mt Kenya

The populous Mt Kenya region is the latest battleground for the referendum push, which is slowly gaining momentum.

Political big shots visited the region recently in what is already turning out to be a political duel likely to characterise the push for a plebiscite being fronted by the Opposition and the Council of Governors.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was in Nyeri last week where he softened his stance, saying he was ready to dialogue with the Opposition on issues affecting Kenyans.

A few kilometres away, in Embu and neighbouring Meru, Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) principal Raila Odinga was categorical that the time for dialogue was over and that the push for a referendum was unstoppable.

Raila launched the signature drive in President Uhuru’s Mt Kenya backyard of Embu with a clear message that the referendum push was being backed from all parts of the country.

Deputy President William Ruto, who also visited the region recently and made forays in Embu and Isiolo as he led a Jubilee Government brigade in opposing the referendum push, said Kenyans were not ready for politicking. In a region where the Jubilee government enjoys a near fanatical support, the Opposition is spoiling for a fight and is not ready to give the opponents of the vote a smooth sailing.

But it is what the President said in Nyeri that has confounded political observers. President Uhuru, who had earlier rebuffed calls for national dialogue earlier suggested by CORD leaders, softened his stance, extending an Olive Branch to his opponents to discuss issues affecting Kenyans.

The President said there was a likelihood of the referendum push being blown into a full political duel. The President said he was ready to dialogue with other political leaders to find a solution to the problems facing Kenyans.

“I’m ready to sit down with all leaders and find an amicable solution to the problems facing Kenyans and urge leaders to embrace dialogue,” said the President.

He made the remarks while opening the Central Kenya National show at the Kabiruini show ground in Nyeri.

He was accompanied by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei, his roads counterpart Michael Kamau and Agricultural Society of Kenya National chair Alice Kalya.

He added: “I plead with my colleagues to bring down political temperatures because it is doing more harm than good.”

The President, who appeared to soften and depart from the hard line stance taken by other Jubilee leaders said a political showdown would harm national cohesion and lead to a divided country.

“We believe that with cooling of political temperatures, investors would invest in our country and boost our economy,” said President Uhuru. He said: “Let us not put the country in a political mood. We need to concentrate on delivering our campaign pledges”.

The President appeared to respond to remarks by leaders who spoke before him, saying the referendum debate was meant to distract the government from its development agenda.

Share resources

The leaders, including Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua and MPs Kanini Kega (Kieni), Ndung’u Gethinji (Tetu), Peter Weru (Mathira), Mary Wambui (Othaya) and former legislators Kalembe Ndile and Mark Too dismissed the calls for referendum as ill timed. The other leaders who spoke said the referendum issue was being championed by people “who want to remain politically relevant.”

While concluding his remarks, the President said he was ready to work with all leaders regardless of their political affiliations.

In Embu and Meru, Raila was appealing to residents to support the initiative. Speaking at the Gitoro Conference Centre in Meru, Raila said all Kenyans with the interest of the country at heart should suppor the referendum.

Raila said there is no need for increase in taxes to ensure the counties get their rightful share of resources.

He said all Kenyan tribes should have equal share of resources. Employment opportunities must be shared equally among the tribes and regions.