Nairobi; Kenya: Kericho County Governor Paul Chepkwony recently faced a wrath of his colleagues during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit to the region for fund-raiser at Africa Gospel Church.
They criticised the Governor over his pro-referendum push being fronted by the Council of Governors. Chepkwony felt isolated and a target of harsh criticism from leaders in the presidential entourage. Speaking after attending the church service, President Uhuru, who was accompanied by Senate Majority leader Kithure Kindiki and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, asked Jubilee governors supporting the referendum camp to change course or shift out. “If you have your own plans, quit the Jubilee government and seek fresh mandate from the electorate through a party you think suits you best,” President Uhuru said.
Manifesto
Kithure told the county chiefs, led by Council of Governors chairman Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto that they must support the Jubilee manifesto that sponsored them to leadership. A day later at a function in the town, Chepkwony declared that his position had not changed.
He said the fight to compel the Government to increase revenue allocation to counties through referendum should not be construed to mean that like-minded governors were trying to undermine Jubilee administration.
Common stand
Chepkwony said a referendum was inevitable since the issue of landlessness had not been addressed by the Jubilee government.
Local people also want problems associated with the management of forests addressed, Chepkwony said.
But in spite of his spirited campaigns, area MPs led by Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi), Leonard Sang (Bureti), Erick Keter (Belgut), Justice Kemei (Soin/Sigowet), Joseph Limo (Kipkelion East) and Jackson Rop (Kipkelion West) have declared that they are opposed to calls for a referendum.
Hellen Chepkwony (Women Representative) and Kericho Senator Charles Keter are also opposed to a referendum. During the presidential function, Langat was the first to fire a salvo to the Governor and asked him to change his position over referendum. “We are asking the Governor to embark on the implementation of development projects since there is no time for politics,” Langat said. Kemei and Lomo said the leaders had taken a common stand to reject calls for a referendum. Chepkwony found himself in an awkward position after inviting the President to deliver speech before Kindiki. However, Keter quickly stepped in and invited the Senate Majority Leader to address the congregation before inviting the President.
In as much some leaders have criticised Chepkwony for supporting calls for a referendum to amend the constitution, Londiani Ward Representative Jackson Kikwai said: “Leaders should respect the Governor’s position because he is entitled to his opinion.”
