Referendum push waste of time: ODM MP

Kajiado Central MP Joseph Nkaissery has asked his CORD party to stop plunging the country into an election mood by calling for a referendum, but instead wait for the next General Election in 2017.

Speaking yesterday during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new girls' boarding high school at Letoire PCEA Church in his constituency, the legislator blamed the Opposition for pushing for a referendum and termed it untimely and a waste of time.

"What is the need for a referendum? It is uncalled for. Kenyans voted just last year and we leaders should stop plunging the country into an election mood so early. This is just a waste of time," said Mr Nkaissery.

Calling on his party leaders to accept the last election results and remain the citizens' watchdog, he said Kenya was a democratic country and that there must be winners and losers in every election. He called on the Opposition to play its role of keeping the Government on its toes.

SNUBBED RALLY

"The Opposition's role is clear in the Constitution - we must keep the Government in check rather than ask for a better working relationship," said the MP.

Nkaissery, who snubbed Monday's Saba Saba rally at Uhuru Park, explained that he opted to join other county leaders inspect water projects. He asked his colleagues in CORD to give Government time to work.

This comes at a time when CORD leader Raila Odinga is insisting that the coalition will not stop in its quest for a referendum on 13 resolutions it endorsed during the Saba Saba rally.

Nkaissery also thanked the PCEA Church for its invaluable support for the girl-child in the county.

The Church, through a US-based outreach foundation, is funding the building of two girls' schools and rescue centres in the county to help fight early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation.