Rift Valley governors ditch referendum push

By Charles Ngeno

Narok, Kenya: Six governors from Rift Valley have announced they no longer support the push for a constitutional referendum.

Narok Governor Samuel Tunai said after reviewing the present situation, calls for the poll need to be shelved.

Tunai said he had agreed with his Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru and West Pokot counterparts to engage the government in dialogue with the intention of reaching an agreement over their demands.

He accused Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leadership of trying to hijack the process.

“Our push had been informed by three things; increasing the county allocation from 15 per cent to 40 per cent, strengthening the Senate and improving infrastructural and education facilities in the counties,” said Tunai.

He said the current agitation was out of what they were calling for. Speaking to the Press in his office, Tunai said those fronting the push were driven by personal interests.

“We are talking with Bomet Governor with a view to convince him to drop his hardline position. We are sure we shall find better ways of convincing the central government to allocate more funds to the counties,” stated Tunai.

He urged governors to focus on serving the people who elected them instead of holding meetings at city hotels.

 Meanwhile, youth-focused organisations have organised a training programme for county executives on youth socio-economic empowerment and engagement strategies.