The push for a national referendum through the Okoa Kenya initiative is gathering steam, with the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) planning town hall meetings with members of county assemblies from next week.
The Opposition also invited Jubilee to join them in the push, arguing that the referendum should not be viewed as a partisan crusade, but as a bi-partisan campaign to address the challenges Kenyans face.
CORD said it has put in place an elaborate strategy to win the support of MCAs, whose backing is crucial in the push for a referendum.
The drafters have laced the bill with sweeteners for the ward reps including establishment of ward development fund, something they have been agitating for. This will be tempting even to MCAs allied to the Jubilee alliance.
CORD, according to its bigwigs, will hold the meetings with the ward reps in groups of three counties at a time.
"The next big agenda politically is the Okoa Kenya Bill. Anyone taking it lightly is mistaken," said Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Elections Junet Mohammed.
Jubilee proposals
Mr Mohammed said the Town Hall meetings were part of the Opposition's strategy to ensure the referendum push is understood by all Kenyans.
In its push for a national vote, CORD wants to ensure at least 45 per cent national revenue is allocated to counties. This is similar to Pesa Mashinani, an initiative by governors for more funds to the counties.
The Opposition is also proposing radical institutional, electoral and land reforms, all of which were discussed at a meeting of the Okoa Kenya Steering committee at Maanzoni Lodge. CORD invited the Government side to put forward its proposals for the referendum, with ODM Chairman John Mbadi saying that the Opposition will carefully sieve Jubilee proposals.
"We want them to participate in the spirit of national unity, but it will depend on what kind of proposals they want to bring forward," Mr Mbadi said.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma added: "The referendum is a people's process. We are inviting everybody, including Jubilee to bring their proposals. They should not oppose it because it came from the CORD side."
ODM Secretary for Political Affairs, Opiyo Wandayi said although the referendum train has already left the station, Jubilee can still participate.
But Jubilee read mischief in the Opposition's call for them to join the referendum bandwagon. National assembly Majority Leader, Aden Duale saying the proposal has been informed by a realisation that the referendum push is doomed to fail.
