Jubilee senators ditch push for referendum

By MOSES NJAGIH

Kenya: Jubilee Senators have withdrawn from the planned referendum in the wake of a storm caused by CORD leader Raila Odinga’s proposal to change the system of governance from presidential to parliamentary.

The Senators said they will no longer support the process to amend the law to strengthen devolution. At a press conference addressed by Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki and attended by about 10 Senators, they complained that their  “noble idea” had been hijacked by people seeking to further their “parochial interests”.

 “It is unfortunate that the referendum matter has been hijacked by parochial, partisan and divisive interests that are not in the national good,” said Kindiki.

The Senators said they will issue further communication on the matter after the coalitions parliamentary group meeting next Tuesday.

“We would however like to assure Kenyans that we remain firmly and resolutely committed to our constitutional mandate to defend and protect devolution,” Kindiki said.