ODM calls for referendum funds in next budget

Senate Minority Leader James Orengo during the Senate Leadership and Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA) workshop at the Serena Hotel, Mombasa. [Boniface Okendo/Standard]

Members of an Opposition political party want funds to conduct a referendum to be included in the budget of the next financial year.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party chairman John Mbadi and Senate Minority Leader James Orengo (right) said it would be best to hold a public vote before March next year, thus to need to allocate money in the 2019/2020 budget.

“A referendum cannot take place if there is no proper budgeting for it. A referendum requires a huge budget which has to be planned for,” said Mr Orengo during a funds drive at Kitere Catholic Church in Rongo on Sunday.

Also present at the function were Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Migori Senator Ochilo Ayacko, MPs: Paul Abuor (Rongo), Walter Owino (Awendo) and Peter Masara (Suna West), and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

In recent months, political leaders have dropped strong hints that they are pushing for a referendum to change the Constitution and alter the country's governance structure.

Mr Mbadi called on Parliament to expedite the process of bringing about constitutional changes, which he said would promote inclusivity in the country.